Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) has strongly criticized a new bill proposed by Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats aimed at establishing a code of ethics for the Supreme Court. Kennedy characterized the bill as a "court-killing machine," branding it both "dangerous" and "unserious."
The proposed Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency (SCERT) Act seeks to implement a code of conduct for Supreme Court justices. Democrats argue this is necessary, while Republicans contend that existing ethics rules, recently updated, are sufficient. The bill passed the committee on a party-line vote after extensive debate.
Kennedy expressed concern that the bill would empower any individual to file a motion to recuse a Supreme Court justice, potentially disrupting the court's operations. He believes the bill's true intention is to undermine the court, despite Democrats' claims of promoting ethical conduct.
Committee Chairman Dick Durbin (D-IL) commended the bill's passage, citing Chief Justice Roberts' inaction on ethics reform. Durbin and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the bill's co-sponsors, assert that the legislation would enhance transparency and accountability within the Supreme Court.
The SCERT Act now proceeds to the full Senate. However, Kennedy expressed skepticism about its chances of passing, predicting that it would not secure the 60 votes required for advancement.
