Portland, Oregon (light seal) – Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden (D) introduced legislation Thursday that would bring fundamental changes to the nation's highest court. This includes adding six seats and requiring all judges to release their tax returns.
This was announced by the senator's office. Judicial Modernization and Transparency Act “Restore balance among the three branches of government, increase transparency and public trust in America's courts, and modernize our courts to ensure more Americans have better access to justice.” The purpose is
Wyden said he introduced the bill to overhaul the court in the face of the court's “crisis of legitimacy.”
He also acknowledged that there was a strong chance the bill would not pass, but said he hoped parts of the bill would eventually be implemented to bring about “some balance.” , in a statement obtained by the newspaper. The Washington Post.
Among the proposed amendments would be to expand the number of judges on the court from nine to 15 over a president's three terms, and to allow the president to appoint one nominee in the first and third years of each presidential term. is included. The bill would also create a process by which candidates would be automatically scheduled for a vote if there is too much time (180 days) between nomination and significant action.
In addition to expanding the court, the bill would restore the practice of appointing a judge to oversee each circuit, expand the number of circuits by splitting the 9th Circuit, and create a new Southwest Circuit. It becomes.
Under the bill, the Supreme Court would need a supermajority to overturn Congress's laws.
“The Supreme Court is in crisis, and bold solutions are needed to restore public trust,” Wyden said. “More transparency, more accountability, and more checks on a power-hungry Supreme Court are exactly what the American people want.”
The bill also includes several provisions aimed at restoring trust and transparency to the high court, including making opinions available to the public and allowing judges to separate from cases. These include allowing votes to remove judges.
Additionally, the IRS would be required to audit and release each judge's income tax returns.
The bill comes after some lawmakers, including Sen. Wyden, have raised ethical concerns over court transparency after Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose a luxury trip he took with Republican megadonor Harlan Crowe. The submission comes amid concerns raised.
In early August, Ms. Wyden sent a letter to Mr. Crowe's attorney requesting travel and financial records.
According to reports Associated PressMichael Zona, a spokesman for Mr. Crow, said that Mr. Crow always follows tax laws, adding, “We are concerned that Sen. Wyden is abusing the committee's power as part of a politically motivated campaign against the Supreme Court.'' “It will be done,” he added.
