Democratic senator signals that some in the Senate Judiciary Cmte. may be interested in being more aggressive on the Supreme Court's ongoing ethical collapse. (via Deadline: Legal Blog)
, D-Ill., scheduled an ethics hearing for Tuesday, May 2. But it's unclear what will come of it, or whether the committee will use whatever muscle it has to shed real light on the court's ethical failings or impose meaningful solutions on a reluctant court.from one of Durbin's committee colleagues, Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., suggest there's a desire from at least some corners of the committee to be more aggressive.
Indeed, Blumenthal called Thomas’ failure to disclose gifts “potentially criminal” and said the Justice Department should investigate as well. He said Thomas created the appearance that the Supreme Court is"open to the highest bidder." Blumenthal further said that impeachment should be on the table for Thomas, though he acknowledged that’s unlikely to happen in the Republican-controlled House, where such proceedings would originate.
Nonetheless, it's significant that the senator sounds prepared to use whatever power he has to uncover facts and take action. It's unclear, however, what sway that desire has with the committee. And keep in mind, the committee's power remains weakened in the absence of Dianne Feinstein, whose membership on the committee gives Democrats the majority.
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