In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity, Democrats are reportedly exploring various strategies to counteract the decision, including a potential expansion of the Supreme Court bench.
The ruling, handed down on Monday, upheld the immunity of former President Donald Trump from criminal prosecutions for "official acts" performed during his tenure.
As reported by Conservative Daily News, the Supreme Court's decision has sparked a flurry of activity among Democratic lawmakers. Representative Joseph Morelle of New York is anticipated to propose a constitutional amendment asserting that presidents do not possess absolute immunity. Meanwhile, Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, along with Tina Smith of Minnesota, are advocating for legislation to increase the number of justices to 13.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has publicly voiced her intention to file articles of impeachment against Supreme Court justices, arguing that the ruling "represents an assault on American democracy." She further contended that the Supreme Court is embroiled in a "corruption crisis beyond its control."
In March 2023, Markey, Warren, and Smith reintroduced the Judiciary Act to expand the court. They asserted that the addition of more seats is crucial to restore American trust in the court and counteract Republican lawmakers who "have already employed their far-right judicial playbook by disregarding norms and precedent in the confirmations process."
Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to increase the number of Supreme Court seats, Democrats remain undeterred. Senator Warren argued, "This Supreme Court is undermining the foundations of our democracy. Congress must restore balance by adding more justices to the Court."
In addition to expanding the Supreme Court, Democrats are also contemplating the imposition of term limits on justices, a move that has previously failed to gain traction. Congressman Dan Goldman of New York expressed his dismay at the recent ruling, stating, "Today is a dark day for American Democracy. This ruling is perhaps the final nail in the coffin of this rogue Supreme Courts claim to institutional legitimacy."
Goldman introduced the "Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act" in June, which proposes the establishment of an "investigative body" within the Supreme Court to "provide transparency and accountability through exhaustive investigations into alleged ethical improprieties," as well as an ethics counsel. He warned, "If Speaker of the House Mike Johnson does not bring up my 'Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act' to establish an independent ethics counsel and investigative body within the Supreme Court, then he too will be abdicating his responsibility to the constitution and the American people."
Requests for comment from the offices of Morelle, Markey, Warren, Smith, Ocasio-Cortez, and Goldman were not immediately answered. The implications of these proposed changes remain to be seen, but they underscore the ongoing tension between the Democratic lawmakers and the Supreme Court.
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