Republicans should keep an extra-close eye on Biden now that he isn’t running for re-election.
President Biden is preparing to propose several amendments to the U.S. Constitution on Monday as part of his renewed push for Supreme Court reform, according to recent reports. This marks a significant shift from his previous stance, when he was still running in the 2024 election, on maintaining the high court’s structure without alterations.
In a notable departure from his earlier position, Biden announced on Wednesday that reforming the Supreme Court would be a key focus for the remainder of his presidency. This decision comes after Biden’s announcement on Sunday that he would not seek re-election, a move influenced by growing calls from within the Democratic Party for him to step aside following criticisms of his performance in a June debate.
Biden’s proposed reforms are expected to include the introduction of term limits for Supreme Court justices, a change that would require a constitutional amendment to implement. Additionally, he is likely to advocate for the establishment of an enforceable code of ethics for the justices, a measure that could be pursued through Congressional action, as reported by Politico.
Another aspect of Biden’s proposed changes involves supporting a constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the immunity of presidents and other high-ranking officials. This proposal comes in response to a July Supreme Court ruling that affirmed presidents cannot be prosecuted for actions taken while in office, a decision that arose from a case involving former President Trump.
Amending the Constitution is a challenging process deliberately designed by the framers. It requires a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass a proposed amendment, which is then sent to the states for ratification. For an amendment to become law, it must be approved by three-fourths of the states—38 out of 50.
Following the court’s recent decision, which Biden criticized as part of a broader attack on long-established legal principles, he emphasized the importance of Supreme Court reform in his public remarks. The White House has not yet provided specific details on the proposed changes, and the specifics of Biden’s plan could still evolve.
In his address from the Oval Office, Biden underscored his commitment to continuing his presidential duties over the next six months, including efforts to lower costs for families, grow the economy, and protect civil rights and personal freedoms. He vowed to tackle issues such as political violence, gun violence, and the climate crisis, while also advancing his cancer research initiatives. Biden stressed that Supreme Court reform is crucial for preserving democracy and ensuring that America remains strong and secure as a global leader.