Staff Reports
The Judiciary Committee of the Senate is not commenting on the allegations that Supreme Court Justice Thomas accepted lavish gifts and trips. Democrats on the panel are calling for the establishment of an ethics code within the court.
A report by ProPublica claimed that Justice Thomas accepted over 40 vacations and used his position to get VIP passes and take advantage of various private jet flights. The connection he had to some of the rich individuals was also revealed.
According to experts interviewed by the report, failing to disclose these perks may have violated the law. Although Justice Thomas has not commented on the allegations, the members of the Judiciary Committee did not respond to requests for their thoughts.
According to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, the allegations made by ProPublica demonstrate that the justices have been living a lavish lifestyle for years, financed by a coterie of rich individuals. He urged Chief Justice Roberts and other high court officials to take immediate action to put an end to these unethical practices.
Senate GOP silent on latest Clarence Thomas claims while Democrats urge Supreme Court reforms https://t.co/afH9tzhet5
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 11, 2023
He has already supported Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's bill, which would establish an ethics code for Supreme Court justices. Whitehouse is calling on the Senate to pass his legislation, as he believes that the current honor system is no longer good enough for the people of the US.
Despite the Democrats' insistence on establishing an ethics code for the high court, Republicans have been reluctant to support the measures. As the allegations against Thomas have become more prominent, some Republicans have expressed their support for the Chief Justice's proposal.
Despite the criticism, the conservative members of the court are still opposed to the establishment of an ethics code. One of them is Cassie Severino, who defended Justice Thomas. She noted that if the allegations against the justices were made against liberal justices, then similar violations would be uncovered.
She commended Justice Thomas for fighting back and refusing to be intimidated by those on the Left.
