The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board just penned an important piece: “All judges must adhere to ethical standards. Yes, even Supreme Court justices.”
First of all, it’s kind of stunning that this editorial even needs to be written. But sadly, that’s where we are.
It’s no wonder the Court is facing a crisis of public confidence. Supreme Court justices are the only federal judges not subject to a binding code of ethics. There’s no process to even file a complaint against a justice on the nation’s highest court.
I’m going to tell you a little more about my legislation to implement basic accountability for SCOTUS, but first, I’m going to ask you to make a donation to my campaign before our February fundraising deadline. The dark money apparatus that helped prop up the nominations of the newest conservative Supreme Court justices is a powerful one, so every dollar you donate makes a difference as I head into the 2024 election cycle.
I’ve always believed that transparency is important at all levels of government, and the courts are no exception.
That’s why I introduced the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency Act. This legislation will finally bring the Court into line with the ethical requirements of other federal officials. The SCERT Act strengthens recusal requirements for justices. It will also require justices to disclose gifts, hospitality, or reimbursements they receive from outside groups who may have business before the Court. Pretty obvious stuff.
We’ve got to pass my SCERT Act to establish ethical guardrails at the court. If we don’t, big special interests will continue to hold outsized influence.
I’m reaching out today to ask if you can make a donation of just $5 before our end-of-month deadline. With your support, I’m going to keep working to clean up the mess at the Court.
Thank you,
Sheldon
