Biden’s Proposed SC Reform Takes Aim At Donald Trump Immunity Ruling

On Monday, July 29, U.S. President Joe Biden has unveiled a comprehensive three-pronged proposal aimed at reforming the Supreme Court. This move marks a significant policy focus for the remaining months of his presidency. Moreover, the reform aims to challenge former President Donald Trump’s immunity ruling.

Biden’s SC Proposal Pits Against Donald Trump Ruling

Biden’s proposal includes the implementation of term limits for Supreme Court justices, the establishment of a binding ethics code. It also introduces a constitutional amendment that declares presidents are not immune from criminal prosecution for crimes committed while in office.

The amendment, named the “No One Is Above the Law Amendment,” is a direct response to a controversial Supreme Court ruling earlier in July. The ruling declared former President Donald Trump immune from criminal prosecution for the ‘official acts’ he committed during his presidency.

“This decision today has continued the Court’s attack in recent years on a wide range of long-established legal principles in our nation,” Biden stated. Furthermore, he criticized the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling on presidential immunity that favored Donald Trump. Biden added, “From gutting voting rights and civil rights to taking away a woman’s right to choose, to today’s decision that undermines the rule of law of this nation.”

In addition, the proposed ethics code is also a reaction to recent scandals involving Supreme Court justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. They were found to have accepted undisclosed financial gifts that presented significant conflicts of interest. Biden emphasized the need for an ethics code to restore public trust in the judiciary.

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Reform Approval Odds & Texas Speech

Over the course of his administration, Biden has been increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the conservative-majority Supreme Court. The Court’s decisions to repeal federal abortion protections, limit affirmative action in college admissions, and strike down Biden’s student debt relief program have been points of contention. These rulings have galvanized Biden to push for substantial reforms.

“I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy,” Biden declared in a national address from the Oval Office on Wednesday. His reform plan is part of his effort to cement his legacy in the less than six months remaining in his term.

Also, it’s important to note that this announcement comes shortly after Biden withdrew from the presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Turning these proposals into law, however, poses a significant challenge.

Congressional approval is required, and given the current partisan split in Congress, achieving this will be an uphill battle. A constitutional amendment, in particular, demands a two-thirds majority approval from both the House and the U.S. Senate, a feat that is significantly difficult to accomplish.

Meanwhile, Biden is set to further elaborate on his reform proposals during a speech at the LBJ Presidential Library in Texas later on Monday. This address is expected to outline the specifics of his plan. Moreover, his speech will rally support for what he views as essential changes to safeguard American democracy.

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