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McConnell Gives Statement On SCOTUS Reforms

McConnell Gives Statement On SCOTUS Reforms

There’s been a lot of buzz around President Joe Biden’s recent proposals concerning the U.S. Supreme Court, and it’s safe to say that not everyone is on board. In fact, both Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have made it clear that they see these proposals as “dead on arrival” in Congress.

So, what exactly is Biden proposing? The president recently outlined a plan that includes implementing 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, establishing a code of ethics for the Court, and pushing for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, especially in light of the Trump v. United States decision earlier this year. These are ambitious ideas, but they’re facing stiff opposition from key Republican leaders.

Mitch McConnell, a staunch defender of the Supreme Court, didn’t mince words when he expressed his disappointment in Biden’s proposals. McConnell, who has a long history of protecting the Court’s structure, was particularly surprised given Biden’s past as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. McConnell argued that Biden should know better than to propose something that is likely unconstitutional, pointing out that the Constitution grants justices life tenure, and changing that would require a significant and unlikely constitutional amendment.

In a speech from the Senate floor, McConnell didn’t just stop at criticizing Biden’s proposals. He took the opportunity to highlight what he sees as a broader campaign by Democrats to undermine the legitimacy of the Supreme Court. According to McConnell, this isn’t just about term limits or ethics codes; it’s about a concerted effort to reshape the Court because of its current conservative majority and the decisions that have come from it.

McConnell pointed to several instances where he believes Democrats have crossed the line in their attacks on the Court. He mentioned the increased security around justices following threats and protests, especially after the leaked draft opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson case. McConnell specifically called out the attempted assassination of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, highlighting the real dangers that have emerged as a result of heightened rhetoric and targeting of conservative justices.

The Republican leader also didn’t shy away from naming names. He singled out Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Dick Durbin, who have been vocal critics of the Court, particularly its conservative members. McConnell criticized them for what he sees as ominous threats and ongoing efforts to push for changes that could destabilize the Court’s long-standing structure.

While Biden’s proposed reforms are unlikely to gain traction in the current Congress, especially with Republicans controlling the House, they have sparked an important conversation about the role and structure of the Supreme Court in American democracy. Whether or not these ideas go anywhere legislatively, the debate they’ve ignited is sure to continue as the 2024 election approaches.

Written by Mark Stevens - July 31, 2024