President Joe Biden is set to introduce a series of constitutional amendments that would target the U.S. Supreme Court and the scope of presidential immunity.
Fox News reported that these amendments would restrict immunity, enforce ethical standards, and set terms for Supreme Court Justices.
Recently, following a controversial Supreme Court decision shielding former presidents from prosecution for actions taken while in office, President Biden has initiated an ambitious plan to amend the Constitution. His intentions include setting term limits for Supreme Court Justices, creating enforceable ethics rules, and curtailing immunity for presidents.
These proposals, sparked by the recent Supreme Court ruling, focus primarily on judicial and executive reforms. President Biden's announcement underscores a shift from his prior positions, influenced partly by internal pressures within his party and his decision not to seek reelection after a lackluster debate performance in June 2024.
The process ahead is challenging. For these amendments to be adopted, they must garner the support of two-thirds of the House and the Senate, followed by ratification from 38 out of the 50 states.
President Biden outlined these planned amendments in an address from the Oval Office on July 24, 2024. He articulated that these changes are crucial to maintaining the rule of law and protecting the foundations of American democracy.
President Biden commented that his remaining term will be dedicated to defending economic stability and civil rights and addressing pressing issues such as gun violence, climate change and public health initiatives such as the Cancer Moonshot program. He said:
This decision today has continued the court’s attack in recent years on a wide range of long-established legal principles in our nation, from gutting voting rights and civil rights to taking away a woman’s right to choose, to today’s decision that undermines the rule of law of this nation.
"In the next six months, I’m focused solely on my duties as President," he stated, highlighting a commitment to uphold and protect the nation's liberties and security.
Further elaborating on his approach towards national security and civil rights, President Biden emphasized the necessity to challenge extremism and violence constantly, confirming his holistic approach to governance.
"I'm going to keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence; our planet from the climate crisis, is the existential threat," President Biden said, stressing the importance of proactive measures to shield future generations.
Additionally, he reinforced his administration's objectives to ensure America's resilience and global leadership posture, which form the pillars of his presidential duties.
As these proposals advance to the legislative phase, the political landscape is set for intense debates. Advocates for judicial reform support Biden's efforts to maintain judicial accountability and integrity amidst divisive rulings. The success of these initiatives hinges on bipartisan cooperation and state legislatures' alignment with these transformative visions for America's judiciary and executive oversight.
President Biden’s proposal to amend the Constitution highlights a crucial moment in American politics, aiming to balance the powers of the judiciary and executive branches for accountable governance.
