AOC suggests subpoena for Justice Roberts.

Rep. ocasio-cortez“>Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Calls for Subpoena of Supreme Court Justice John Roberts

The Democratic representative from New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has suggested that Congress should use its subpoena power to compel Supreme Court Justice John Roberts to testify before lawmakers regarding ethics issues. During an interview with CNN, Ocasio-Cortez stated that the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is controlled by Democrats, is initiating an investigation into conflicts of interest and entanglements.

Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that if Chief Justice Roberts does not willingly appear before Congress for an investigation, subpoenas should be considered. She expressed her views on the matter, saying, “I believe that if Chief John Roberts will not come before Congress for an investigation voluntarily, I believe that we should be considering subpoenas.”

AOC: If Chief Justice Roberts will not come before Congress for an investigation voluntarily, I believe that we should be considering subpoenas… pic.twitter.com/a7XwkQ1oN9

— Acyn (@Acyn) July 2, 2023

Senate Judiciary Committee’s Previous Request

The Senate Judiciary Committee had previously invited Justice Roberts to testify about Supreme Court ethics and potential reforms in early May. However, the chief justice declined the invitation, leaving Democrats without a majority on the panel to overcome GOP opposition for a subpoena vote. Since then, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has returned to Capitol Hill after recovering from shingles.

Ocasio-Cortez’s Concerns and Proposed Actions

Ocasio-Cortez expressed concerns regarding conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito and called for the passage of more binding and stringent ethics guidelines. She also stated that impeachment should be on the table, emphasizing the need for tools to address misconduct, overreach, and abuse of power. According to Ocasio-Cortez, the Supreme Court requires adequate oversight to preserve its legitimacy and prevent the destruction of the court’s own legitimacy, which she believes is profoundly dangerous for democracy.

Reining in Supreme Court Power

Ocasio-Cortez further discussed the need to limit the power held by the nine justices, including the possibility of expanding the Supreme Court. She highlighted a series of conservative victories in recent rulings on abortion access, religious freedom, affirmative action, and President Joe Biden’s student debt plan. Ocasio-Cortez warned that unchecked power in the courts could lead to an undemocratic and authoritarian expansion of power, signaling a dangerous creep towards centralization and authoritarianism.

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