Friend,

For as long as I’ve been in public service, I’ve been laser-focused on standards and accountability for our government’s most powerful institutions – a focus that has only grown more important in the past year when it comes to our U.S. Supreme Court. 

Last year, our highest court faced a crisis of confidence: numerous reports of egregious corruption from Justices Thomas and Alito alongside out-of-control, extremist decisions. 

This year, the Court will once again be hearing and ruling on some of the most consequential cases in our history. And yet, there is not a single camera in the courtroom to allow for a real-time broadcast. Not one single visual record. 

In fact, broadcast and visual recordings are barred in many federal courts for outdated and outlandish reasons. Having argued four cases before the U.S. Supreme Court – and many other lower federal courts – I find reading the bench crucial to understanding the Justices. The American people should be afforded this same privilege. 

There is judicial resistance to this needed form of accountability, but a bipartisan legislative effort is underway: I'm working on a bill that would mandate real-time broadcasts in the Supreme Court, with safeguards to prevent abuses. Visibility and transparency are vital – for the Court's credibility and the viability of our democracy. 

But as this campaign for transparency gets underway, I need grassroots supporters like you to advocate alongside me: Will you please sign my new petition demanding the U.S. Supreme Court provide a real-time broadcast of its proceedings? I'm counting on your signature before 11:‌59 p.m. ton‌ight.

Thank you,

Dick