Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Bill Requiring Supreme Court to Adopt Ethics Code, Tighten Financial Disclosures, and Bolster Recusal Requirements

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced legislation on Thursday that would require the Supreme Court to adopt an ethics code, tighten financial disclosures, and bolster recusal requirements for justices. The bill, called the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency Act, was sponsored by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and passed along party lines, 11-10.

The bill follows a series of reports about Justice Clarence Thomas’ relationship with a Republican real estate magnate, and is seen as a crucial first step in restoring confidence in the court. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, said the bill would help to address the “steady stream of reports of justices’ ethical failures” that have been released to the public.

The bill would require Supreme Court justices to follow the same ethics code that applies to other federal judges. It would also require justices to disclose any financial interests that could be affected by their rulings, and to recuse themselves from cases in which they have a conflict of interest.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. If passed, it would be the first time the Supreme Court has been required to adopt an ethics code. Supporters of the bill say it is necessary to ensure that the Supreme Court is held to the same standards of accountability and transparency as other federal courts.