‘Rot and decay’: Rep Hank Johnson argues SCOTUS term limits are path forward for removing ‘corrupt’ justices
Georgia Democrat Rep. Hank Johnson has argued that term limits for U.S. Supreme Court justices are necessary to eliminate the possibility of “long-term rot and decay” due to corporate corruption on the court. Johnson, a ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, believes that justices with lifetime tenure become unaccountable and can do whatever they want, likening the bench to “a club of kings and queens who can do whatever they want to do simply because they serve in a third co-equal branch of government.” He has proposed the Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization Act (TERM) that would impose 18-year term limits on justices.
Johnson’s proposal is part of a broader effort to reform the Supreme Court, which he believes is facing a crisis of confidence. He has teamed up with Democrats in both the House and Senate to propose court reform bills, including expanding the court to a 13-justice bench. President Biden has previously voiced support for such reforms, and Vice President Harris has echoed his sentiments, stating that reforms are being proposed because “there is a clear crisis of confidence facing the Supreme Court.” Despite the challenges, Johnson remains committed to his legislation, foreseeing an uphill battle but insisting that the measures will be considered for as long as it takes.
