A bold legislative move aims to reshape the highest court in the land, potentially altering its composition and operations.
DC News Now reported that Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has introduced a bill to reform the Supreme Court, proposing significant changes, including an increase in the number of justices.
The bill's primary objective is to restore balance among the three branches of government, enhance transparency, and improve public trust in the judicial system. While Wyden acknowledges the slim chances of the bill passing in its entirety, he hopes that some elements of the proposed legislation will eventually be implemented.
Under the proposed bill, the Supreme Court would expand from nine to 15 justices over three presidential terms. This gradual increase would allow the sitting president to appoint one nominee in the first and third years of each presidential term.
To address concerns about prolonged nomination processes, the bill includes a provision that would automatically schedule a vote if 180 days pass without significant action on a nominee. This measure aims to prevent excessive delays in the appointment of new justices.
Additionally, the bill suggests reviving the practice of assigning a justice to oversee each circuit court. It also proposes expanding the number of circuits by splitting the Ninth Circuit and creating a new Southwestern Circuit, potentially redistributing the workload and jurisdiction of the federal appellate courts.
Senator Wyden's bill places a strong emphasis on increasing transparency within the Supreme Court. One notable provision would require the Internal Revenue Service to audit each justice's income tax return and make these returns publicly available.
The proposed legislation also includes measures to make court opinions more accessible to the public and introduces a mechanism allowing justices to vote on recusing a colleague from a case. These steps are designed to bolster public trust in the court's operations and decision-making processes.
Wyden expressed his motivation for the bill, stating:
The Supreme Court is in crisis and bold solutions are necessary to restore the public trust. More transparency, more accountability and more checks on a power hungry Supreme Court are just what the American people are asking for.
The introduction of this bill comes in the wake of recent ethical concerns surrounding the Supreme Court, particularly regarding Justice Clarence Thomas's undisclosed luxury trips with GOP megadonor Harlan Crowe. These revelations have prompted lawmakers, including Senator Wyden, to call for greater scrutiny of justices' financial dealings and potential conflicts of interest.
In response to these concerns, Wyden sent a letter to Crowe's attorney in early August, requesting travel and financial records. This action underscores the growing demand for increased transparency and ethical standards within the highest echelons of the judiciary.
However, the proposed reforms have not been without criticism. Crowe's spokesperson, Michael Zona, defended his client's actions and expressed concern about the motivations behind Senator Wyden's efforts, suggesting they might be part of a politically motivated campaign against the Supreme Court.
The Judicial Modernization and Transparency Act represents a significant attempt to reform the Supreme Court. Senator Wyden's proposal includes expanding the court to 15 justices, implementing new appointment procedures, and increasing financial transparency for justices. While the bill's passage faces considerable challenges, it has sparked important discussions about the future of the Supreme Court and the need for greater accountability in the judicial branch.
