Schumer's Plan for Supreme Court Overhaul if Democrats Win

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has announced plans for significant reforms to the Supreme Court should Democrats secure the White House and both congressional chambers. The push for stricter regulations on the Court has intensified amid allegations of ethical misconduct involving Republican-appointed justices, particularly Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who have faced scrutiny over their ties to GOP donors and political activities of their spouses. Schumer criticized the current state of the Supreme Court, stating, “The Supreme Court has become a morass, both ethically and substantively.” Democrats aim to establish an enforceable ethics code requiring justices to disclose gifts and financial contributions, alongside stricter recusal rules. However, without Republican support, these initiatives face significant hurdles. Additionally, Schumer highlighted the pursuit of President Biden’s proposal for 18-year term limits for justices and the elimination of “forum shopping,” which allows litigants to select favorable judges for their cases. This reform could potentially hold presidents accountable for their official actions. Republicans view these Democratic proposals as a strategic move to energize their base in an election year while undermining the Republican-appointed majority. Schumer remarked on the long-term efforts by Republicans to dominate the judiciary, stating, “They’ve achieved it.” Despite the ambitious agenda, any reforms would require Democrats to eliminate the filibuster, a challenge given the need for a supermajority of 60 votes. However, the departure of Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin, who previously opposed changing the rule, may shift the dynamics in favor of reform.