HOUSE DEMS TO SET INSPECTOR OVER SUPREME COURT
In a significant development on Capitol Hill, House Democrats unveiled a groundbreaking bill today aimed at enhancing the accountability of the Supreme Court. The proposed legislation, known as the "Judicial Ethics Enforcement Act of 2024," introduces measures to establish an Office of the Inspector General within the Judicial branch, tasked with overseeing Supreme Court Justices.
The bill, co-sponsored by prominent Democrats including Reps. Adam Schiff, Ilhan Omar, Melanie Stansbury, and Jamie Raskin, is designed to ensure "effective oversight" of the Supreme Court and to restore public trust in the institution. Representative Schiff emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, stating that the Act is essential for upholding fair, impartial, and independent judicial standards.
Central to the bill's provisions are the following key points:
Creation of an Office of the Inspector General within the Judicial branch.
Authorization for the Inspector General to investigate alleged violations of the Code of Conduct for Justices of the Supreme Court.
Specification of powers and limitations of the Office of the Inspector General during investigations.
Definition of duties for the Inspector General, including audits, investigations, and reporting to Congress and the Chief Justice.
Proponents of the bill argue that strong judicial ethics are crucial for a democratic society, especially given recent public skepticism about the Supreme Court's impartiality. The Center for Popular Democracy praised the initiative, linking it to concerns about the Court's ideological composition and its potential impact on landmark decisions like Roe v. Wade.
However, the bill has faced criticism from some quarters. Elon Musk, owner of X, denounced the involvement of Rep. Schiff, calling the bill a "scam." Others have expressed concerns about potential breaches of the U.S. constitution's separation of powers.
The fate of the bill now rests with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who will decide whether to bring it to a vote. With Democrats holding a majority in the House, a vote on this contentious bill appears likely in the near future.
