Biden Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Reverse Immunity Decision
In a surprising move, President Biden is slated to advance a proposal for multiple changes to the United States Constitution, one of which will aim at reversing the Supreme Court decision covering presidential immunity. This move, reportedly to be enacted next week, demonstrates a marked shift from Biden’s previous reticence towards Supreme Court reform.
The Push for Supreme Court Reform
Earlier this week, Biden declared that Supreme Court reform would be among his principal objectives for the remaining duration of his term in office. The President unanticipatedly announced that he would not be running for re-election following intensified pressure from Democratic Party officials, subsequent to a lackluster debate performance in June. The possible changes proposed by Biden include setting term limits for justices on the Supreme Court, necessitating a constitutional amendment, and introducing an enforceable code of ethics, which could potentially be enacted by Congress.
Limiting Presidential Immunity
Additionally, Biden is anticipated to back a constitutional amendment directed at reducing immunity for presidents and certain other officeholders. This move comes in the light of a Supreme Court ruling in July, which asserted that presidents cannot be prosecuted for their “official acts” during their time in office. This decision was made in relation to a case involving former President Trump.
Biden publically criticized the court’s ruling, stating, “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.“
Following the Constitutional Amendment Process
The Constitution’s framers intentionally made the process to amend it difficult. A proposed amendment would require the support of a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, after which it would be sent to the states for ratification. To be established as the supreme law of the United States, the amendment would need to be approved by three-quarters, or 38 of the 50 states. It’s important to note that detailed specifics regarding the proposal have not yet been finalized and alterations could still be made.
Commitment to Supreme Court Reform
In an address from the Oval Office, Biden emphasized that Supreme Court reform was “critical to our democracy”, while explaining his decision not to contest the 2024 election. He also reassured the nation that he will continue focusing on his presidential duties, which include safeguarding civil rights, combating hate and extremism, and fighting for his cancer moonshot aim to end cancer as we know it.
“And I will keep fighting for my cancer moonshot, so we can end cancer as we know it because we can do it. And I’m going to call for Supreme Court reform because this is critical to our democracy, Supreme Court reform…”, stated President Biden.
Further Developments
Further information regarding the specifics of the proposal and the subsequent governmental response are expected to surface in the coming days.
