John,

A baffling reality stares us in the face: Every federal judge is bound by an ethical code except for the Supreme Court justices. This is a gaping loophole that’s been exploited time and time again.

Take this headline from brand new reporting by ProPublica:

We already knew Justice Clarence Thomas was gallivanting on luxury yachts and jets funded by billionaire mega donors. Now he’s going to actual fundraising events as the special guest for political donors with interests in front of the court. These aren't just vacations or harmless speaking engagements; they're tokens of influence for billionaires.

And what about Justice Samuel Alito? After pocketing lavish gifts from a conservative billionaire, he saw no issue in ruling on the donor’s case. The audacity is staggering and it's a pattern!

Justice Gorsuch's conveniently timed property sale, Barrett's shadowy financial support, Kavanaugh's swarm of ethics complaints, and Chief Justice Roberts’ questionable family ties to firms with Court interests – all expose a court more interested in serving personal gains than justice.

Enough is enough. The Supreme Court Ethics Act and the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act will help salvage the Court's shattered reputation. Tell Congress no more corruption, enact ethics standards for the Supreme Court.

In a nation that loudly proclaims its dedication to justice, the Supreme Court, astonishingly, stands as a brazen monument to ethical negligence. How can we call it the pinnacle of our judiciary when its justices indulge in flagrant conflicts of interest with no consequences?

It’s not just about ethics; it's about the soul of our democracy. When the Court rules on critical issues, from abortion rights to climate change, the public needs to be able to trust these decisions were not up for sale.

Republican extremists of course want to claim that reforms will hamper the Court's independence. But let's be clear: real independence isn't the freedom to accept undisclosed gifts or to rule on cases with personal ties. It’s the freedom from bias and corruption.

We're not asking for privileges; we're demanding the basic ethical standards that every other federal judge is held to. The Supreme Court has lost its way, veering into the murky waters of corruption and impropriety. But it's not too late to right the ship.

Demand justice, transparency, and integrity. Tell Congress to recognize the rot within and pass the Supreme Court Ethics Act and the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act.

Thank you for not standing for a compromised Court.

- National DFA Organizing Team

Democracy for America Advocacy Fund