- United States
- Calif.
- Letter
As your constituent in Long Beach, I am writing to urge you to support and co-sponsor legislation that implements comprehensive reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court. Recent analysis, including the Brennan Center’s April 2026 report, "Six Solutions for Fixing SCOTUS," outlines critical steps necessary to restore public trust and democratic accountability to the Court.
I ask that you prioritize the following six pillars of reform:
1. 18-Year Term Limits: Establish staggered, 18-year terms for justices to ensure regular turnover and prevent the concentration of power for decades.
2. Enforceable Ethics Standards: Require justices to adhere to a binding code of conduct with clear mechanisms for transparency and enforcement.
3. Curbing "Shadow Docket" Abuses: Increase transparency for emergency orders by requiring signed, written opinions and limiting their use to genuine emergencies.
4. Fast-Track Congressional Responses: Create a streamlined process for Congress to respond to Supreme Court rulings that misinterpret federal statutes.
5. Modernizing the Confirmation Process: Reform the hearing process to focus on judicial philosophy and professional qualifications rather than partisan maneuvering.
6. Transparency in the Courtroom: Allow cameras and video broadcasting of oral arguments to provide the public with direct access to the Court's proceedings.
The legitimacy of our judicial system depends on its accountability to the American people. I look forward to seeing your leadership on these essential legislative measures.