Speaker Johnson Slams Biden’s Supreme Court Reform Proposal as 'Dead on Arrival'

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has sharply criticized President Joe Biden's recent proposal to reform the Supreme Court, labeling it as "dead on arrival" in the House of Representatives. Johnson's condemnation highlights the growing tension between the Biden administration and Congressional Republicans over the future of the judiciary.

President Biden's proposal, unveiled in an op-ed in The Washington Post, suggests significant changes to the Supreme Court, including 18-year term limits for justices and an enforceable ethics code. The proposal also aims to limit presidential immunity following a July ruling in favor of former President Donald Trump. Biden's plan comes as the Supreme Court holds a 6-3 conservative majority, which has made several controversial rulings in recent years.

Key Points:

• Biden’s Proposal: Introduces 18-year term limits, an enforceable ethics code for justices, and an amendment to curb presidential immunity.

• Johnson’s Rejection: Speaker Johnson declared the proposal "dead on arrival" and criticized it as an attempt to undermine the rule of law and public faith in the judiciary.

• Democratic Support: Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee have endorsed the plan.

“Biden’s proposal to radically overhaul the U.S. Supreme Court would tilt the balance of power and erode not only the rule of law, but the American people’s faith in our system of justice,” Johnson stated in a post on X. He warned that Democrats' efforts to "expand and pack" the Supreme Court are likely to resume.

In his op-ed, Biden argued that recent Supreme Court decisions have undermined public confidence in the judiciary, stating, “What is happening now is not normal, and it undermines the public’s confidence in the court’s decisions, including those impacting personal freedoms. We now stand in a breach.” Biden emphasized the need for bold reforms to restore trust and accountability in the court.

Johnson countered that the proposal reflects a Democratic desire to alter the system merely because of disagreements with recent court rulings. “It is telling that Democrats want to change the system that has guided our nation since its founding simply because they disagree with some of the Court’s recent decisions,” he said.

Despite the Democratic support for Biden's proposal, its chances of passing through Congress remain slim. Earlier this year, even a Democrat-led Senate failed to pass a Supreme Court ethics bill due to GOP opposition. Johnson’s firm stance indicates that, under his leadership, the House will not entertain the proposed changes.

While Biden's plan faces significant hurdles, the political landscape could shift dramatically depending on the outcomes of the 2024 elections. For now, Johnson’s declaration has effectively stalled the proposal, preserving the current structure of the Supreme Court.

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