Biden wants Supreme Court to have term limits and code of conduct, limit presidential immunity
President Biden is set to make a significant policy push by calling on Congress to implement term limits and a code of conduct for the Supreme Court while also proposing limits on presidential immunity. These proposed reforms will be discussed during Biden’s upcoming remarks at the LBJ Presidential Library, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
In an op-ed published by the Washington Post, President Biden expressed his concerns about the current state of affairs, stating, “I have overseen more Supreme Court nominations as senator, vice president, and president than anyone living today. I have great respect for our institutions and separation of powers. 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.”
One of the key reforms proposed by President Biden is the elimination of any immunity enjoyed by former presidents for crimes committed while in office. Additionally, he aims to impose an 18-year term limit for Supreme Court justices, allowing for more frequent appointments by presidents.
Biden also emphasized the need for a new code of conduct for Supreme Court justices, which would include requirements such as disclosing gifts, refraining from public political activity, and recusing themselves from cases involving financial or other conflicts of interest.
The White House official stated, “President Biden and Vice President Harris look forward to working with Congress and empowering the American people to prevent the abuse of Presidential power, restore faith in the Supreme Court, and strengthen the guardrails of democracy.”
This marks President Biden’s first major policy initiative since announcing his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. The proposed reforms reflect his commitment to upholding the integrity of the Supreme Court and ensuring accountability in the highest levels of government.
