Biden to Push for Supreme Court Reform in 2024 Election Bid
President Joe Biden is set to champion significant reforms of the Supreme Court in his re-election campaign, aiming to address what he and Democrats see as a court increasingly out of touch with public opinion. According to sources familiar with the plans, Biden is considering legislation to establish term limits for justices and a binding code of ethics for all members of the court. This marks a new stance for Biden, who previously expressed reservations about altering the court’s structure.
Key Takeaways:
- Biden’s Shift: The President, who once expressed skepticism about Supreme Court reform, is now ready to endorse major changes to the court’s structure and ethics.
- Term Limits & Ethics: The proposals focus on establishing term limits for justices and implementing a code of ethics that would be binding and enforceable.
- Campaign Message: The proposals are expected to feature prominently in Biden’s re-election campaign, leveraging perceived public dissatisfaction with the court’s recent rulings.
- Congressional Action: Passage of such legislation is unlikely with the Republican-controlled House, but the proposals could serve as a potent messaging tool in the election.
- Potential for Change: If Democrats achieve a sweep in the 2024 elections, the proposals could have a greater chance of passing into law.
A President’s Turnaround
Biden’s shift on the issue of Supreme Court reform comes amidst heightened public scrutiny and criticism of the court’s recent decisions, particularly the overturning of Roe v. Wade and rulings seen as catering to corporate interests. This dissatisfaction has fueled calls for structural changes and ethical reforms within the court, with many Democrats and progressives embracing such proposals.
During a virtual meeting with members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus last weekend, Biden outlined his plans for the court, stating that he has been consulting with constitutional scholars for over a month. While he did not delve into the specifics of the proposals, he indicated his reliance on Congressional support to achieve these goals.
“I’m going to need your help to and advice on how we should be doing what I’m going to be doing there. Want to make sure we have a closer working relationship, because we’re in this together,” Biden told the lawmakers, according to a source familiar with the discussion.
The Proposals and Their Implication
The proposals under consideration target two key areas of concern around the Supreme Court:
- Term Limits: The proposed term limits would aim to prevent justices from serving indefinitely, potentially promoting a more diverse and representative court. This concept is not without debate as some argue it might politicize the court further by forcing justices to make decisions with an eye on their limited term.
- Binding Code of Ethics: The establishment of a binding code of ethics would be a significant step towards addressing concerns about potential ethical lapses and conflicts of interest among justices. This move would bring the Supreme Court in line with other federal courts and demonstrate a commitment to accountability and transparency. However, enforcement of such a code remains a major hurdle, as many critics see it as an attempt to unduly influence the court’s decisions.
Opposition and Potential for Change
The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is unlikely to support any proposals for Supreme Court reform, given the current 6-3 conservative majority on the court. However, Biden’s proposals are likely to be central to his election campaign as he seeks to rally voters who are increasingly critical of the court’s influence on issues like abortion rights, gun control, and climate change.
While the prospects for reform in the near future may be dim, a Democratic sweep in the 2024 elections could provide the necessary momentum for implementing these changes.
A Movement for Reform
The demand for Supreme Court reform is not new, but it has gained significant momentum in recent years. The court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year, along with a series of rulings seen as favoring corporate interests, has sparked widespread public disapproval and calls for changes to the court’s structure and ethical conduct.
Senate Democrats made an attempt to pass ethics legislation for the Supreme Court last month, but they faced staunch opposition from Republicans. Meanwhile, Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Don Beyer (D-VA) have introduced legislation proposing 18-year term limits for future justices.
“Since then, we have been advocating for the president to champion this reform,” Khanna told NBC News. “It is a big step for him to now call for common-sense term limits for the court and a judicial code of ethics.”
Biden’s Strategy: A Messaging Tool
Biden’s decision to push for Supreme Court reforms in the 2024 election campaign signifies the potential for this issue to become a major focal point of the election. The proposals, even if they face hurdles in Congress, could serve as a powerful messaging tool for Biden and his campaign, allowing him to connect with voters who are discontent with the court’s direction.
The Future of the Court
The upcoming election holds significant implications for the future of the Supreme Court. The outcome of the election will shape the political landscape, potentially determining the fate of Biden’s reform proposals and influencing the future direction of the court.
The next few months will reveal the extent to which Biden’s commitment to reform translates into tangible action, and potentially, a significant shift in the court’s landscape. The battle over the Supreme Court is far from over, and the upcoming election will likely play a crucial role in its next chapter.
