Democrat Senator Opposing Probe of Alito’s Roe Draft Leak Targets Alito
The Democratic Senator’s Ethics Complaint Against Chief Justice John Roberts
In a surprising turn of events, the Democratic senator who previously suggested that the federal government should not investigate the leak of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s draft opinion on Roe v. Wade is now pressuring Chief Justice John Roberts with an ethics complaint. This complaint specifically targets Alito’s involvement in congressional investigations into the Court.
Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act
Rhode Island senator Sheldon Whitehouse introduced the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act in July, which adds further significance to his complaint against Alito.
Alito’s Defense
Alito, speaking to The Wall Street Journal, defended himself and the other justices on the court, stating that they voluntarily followed disclosure statutes applicable to lower-court judges and executive-branch officials. He emphasized that the Constitution, not Congress, created the Supreme Court, and therefore, Congress lacks the authority to regulate it.
Whitehouse’s Complaint
In a seven-page letter addressed to Chief Justice Roberts, Whitehouse expressed his concerns about Alito’s actions. He stated, “As the author of the bill in question and as a participant in the related investigations, I feel acutely the targeting of this work by Justice Alito, and consider it more than just misguided or accidental general opining. It is directed to my work.”
Whitehouse further alleged that Justice Alito may have violated the financial disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act by accepting undisclosed gifts of travel and lodging. He referred to a report from the left-leaning group Pro Publica, suggesting that further investigation could reveal additional information that Alito would prefer to keep hidden.
Alito’s Response
Alito responded to the Pro Publica claims in an article for The Wall Street Journal, defending his actions. He explained that justices commonly interpreted the discussion of “hospitality” in the context of non-reportable gifts for social events. He clarified that the flight to Alaska was the only instance where he accepted transportation for a purely social event, following what he believed to be standard practice.
RELATED: Dem Sen Whitehouse Faces Backlash Over Membership To Alleged All-White Club
The Leaked Opinion and Whitehouse’s Response
After the leaked draft of Alito’s opinion overturning Roe v. Wade caused a national uproar, Republican Louisiana Senator John Kennedy called for severe consequences for the leaker. In contrast, Whitehouse argued against FBI involvement in the investigation, questioning the appropriateness of executive branch agents interfering with the Supreme Court’s affairs.
However, in his complaint to the Supreme Court, Whitehouse seemed to reverse his argument. He condemned Justice Alito’s statement that Congress lacks the authority to regulate the Supreme Court, asserting that this argument wrongly blocks any congressional action or investigation in this area.
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