Hirono Statement on President Biden’s Supreme Court Reform Proposal
“The rule of law is what separates democracy from other forms of government. The proposals endorsed by the President today will strengthen the rule of law, and Americans’ faith in our democracy.”
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and leading champion for Supreme Court reform, released the following statement on President Biden’s Supreme Court reform proposal:
“Unbound by norms, the Supreme Court has shown itself all too willing to throw out longstanding precedent, putting its ideological agenda above our constitution. The result is a Court deeply out of step with the American people and our values. Despite growing public distrust in the Court and its independence, Justices have refused to take even the most basic steps to affirm their impartiality.
“That’s why I’ve worked with my colleagues in the Senate to advance Supreme Court reform, including the creation of a binding code of ethics for Supreme Court Justices, and why I’m glad to see President Biden join in this effort. I’m also glad to see him endorse a constitutional amendment like the one I released earlier this month to clarify that no one—including the President—is above the law.
“The rule of law is what separates democracy from other forms of government. The proposals endorsed by the President today will strengthen the rule of law, and Americans’ faith in our democracy. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to pass this vitally-important package into law.”
Senator Hirono has been a leading champion for Supreme Court reform and strengthening the rule of law. Earlier this month, she released a discussion draft of a constitutional amendment making clear that no one in the United States is above the law, including the President. Last October, Senator Hirono introduced the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, legislation to establish 18-year term limits and regularized appointments for Supreme Court justices. She also cosponsored the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act and was proud to vote for its advancement out of the Judiciary Committee. This legislation would require the Supreme Court to adopt an enforceable code of ethics.
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