Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has criticized Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts for declining to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, arguing that he is avoiding accountability and alleging corruption within the Supreme Court.
Ocasio-Cortez stated in a recent press conference, "By refusing to appear before Congress, Chief Justice Roberts is denying the American people an opportunity to understand how our highest court operates and maintains ethical standards." She continued by saying, "Under his leadership, we've seen constitutional rights unraveled and justices engaging in potentially corrupt financial arrangements."
The congresswoman's comments follow recent controversy surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas' failure to disclose gifts and vacations from wealthy friends. Ocasio-Cortez demanded that Thomas be impeached over these allegations.
"Justice Thomas has shown blatant disregard for transparency and conflict of interest," said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez. "His actions have cast doubt on the impartiality of our highest court, necessitating serious consequences such as impeachment."
Chief Justice John Roberts declined a request from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin to testify at an upcoming hearing on ethics within the Supreme Court. Instead of testifying before Congress about Supreme Court ethics practices amid ongoing scrutiny regarding private jet travel paid for by others, which now must be disclosed according to new federal judiciary rules implemented last month.
In response to this refusal, all nine justices released a joint statement intended to provide clarity on their ethical practices; however, critics argue that it falls short in addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest or other unethical behavior.
Congressional Democrats continue campaigning against perceived impropriety among members of the Supreme Court while calling for stricter oversight measures in light of these controversies involving Justices like Clarence Thomas who are accused of failing disclosure requirements when receiving lavish gifts or vacations funded by billionaire Republican donors.
Despite these criticisms, supporters of the Supreme Court argue that the justices are being unfairly targeted by a Democrat-led harassment campaign. However, voices such as Rep. Ocasio-Cortez continue to demand accountability and transparency from our nation's highest court in order to maintain public trust in their judgments and decisions.