Senate Dems divided over expanding Supreme Court

Senate Democrats say discussions about reforming the Supreme Court are picking up steam in the wake of decisions striking down Roe v. Wade and limiting the EPA’s ability to regulate climate-warming emissions.   

But the talk is being fueled by progressive senators while vulnerable Democratic incumbents, fearing backlash, are keeping their distance.  

The proposals under discussion include expanding the Supreme Court, imposing term limits on justices and requiring the high court to adopt a code of ethics to shed more light on special interest groups trying to influence its rulings.   

Democrats acknowledge they don’t have the votes to expand the Supreme Court or place term limits on justices, though they say the recent rulings by the court are fueling support for those ideas.   

But senators are more optimistic about building support for a judicial code of ethics in the more immediate future.   

“Definitely better disclosure of guests and hospitality has momentum because, although the Supreme Court tried to duck it, the Judicial Conference is looking into it,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, referring to the national policymaking body for the federal courts.