U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and an advocate for Supreme Court reform, released a statement today regarding President Biden’s Supreme Court reform proposal.
“Unbound by norms, the Supreme Court has shown itself all too willing to throw out longstanding precedent, putting its ideological agenda above our constitution. The result is a Court deeply out of step with the American people and our values. Despite growing public distrust in the Court and its independence, Justices have refused to take even the most basic steps to affirm their impartiality,” Hirono stated.
Hirono emphasized her efforts with Senate colleagues to advance Supreme Court reform, including creating a binding code of ethics for justices. She expressed approval of President Biden's support for these initiatives: “That’s why I’ve worked with my colleagues in the Senate to advance Supreme Court reform, including the creation of a binding code of ethics for Supreme Court Justices, and why I’m glad to see President Biden join in this effort. I’m also glad to see him endorse a constitutional amendment like the one I released earlier this month to clarify that no one—including the President—is above the law.”
She further highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law: “The rule of law is what separates democracy from other forms of government. The proposals endorsed by the President today will strengthen the rule of law, and Americans’ faith in our democracy. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues in Congress to pass this vitally-important package into law.”
Senator Hirono has been at the forefront of advocating for Supreme Court reform and reinforcing legal principles. Earlier this month, she proposed a constitutional amendment clarifying that no individual, including the President, is above the law. Last October, she introduced legislation aimed at establishing 18-year term limits and regularized appointments for Supreme Court justices through her Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act. Additionally, she cosponsored and supported advancing out of committee the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act which mandates an enforceable code of ethics for justices.