Senate Democrats are planning to issue subpoenas to GOP mega-donor Harlan Crow and other conservative allies of Justice Clarence Thomas as part of their efforts to impose an ethics code on the Supreme Court. The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Democratic Senator Richard Durbin, intends to subpoena individuals such as Leonard Leo, Robin Arkley II, and Mr. Crow, who is a close friend of Justice Thomas. The committee, consisting of 11 Democrats and 10 Republicans, is likely to authorize the subpoenas in a close vote.
The purpose of the subpoenas is for the individuals to testify and provide information that will aid lawmakers in the development of legislation to establish a code of ethics for the Supreme Court. Senator Durbin and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse have stated that if Chief Justice Roberts does not take action to address this issue, the Judiciary Committee will do so.
Democrats have been engaged in discussions with Harlan Crow for several months regarding his financial relationship with Justice Thomas. In May, the Senate Judiciary Committee requested detailed information from Mr. Crow about his friendship with Justice Thomas and any gifts or expenses he has provided on his behalf. Mr. Crow declined to respond to the inquiries, citing a separation of powers conflict.
The committee also believes that Mr. Leo and Mr. Arkley have not been forthcoming with information about their relationships with the justices.
These requests for information are a result of news articles that have raised questions about the ethics of Justice Thomas. ProPublica reported that Mr. Crow paid private school tuition for Justice Thomas’ great-nephew, which the justice did not disclose in his financial forms. There have also been reports of luxury vacations and real estate purchases involving Mr. Crow and Justice Thomas.
The scrutiny of Justice Thomas has continued in recent months, with further reports highlighting potential ethical concerns. These include the justice’s failure to disclose vacation trips with Mr. Crow and the purchase of the home of Justice Thomas’ mother.
The Democrats aim to establish a code of ethics for the Supreme Court through this process and improve transparency and accountability within the judiciary.
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