Congressman Johnson’s Statement on Supreme Court Releasing a Code of Ethics

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee that oversees the federal courts, today released the following statement after the Supreme Court announced the adoption of a code of conduct for the justices:

“The Supreme Court has begrudgingly, but to its credit, finally taken action to hold itself accountable to a code of conduct. I applaud their effort while noting that their code does not go far enough by not specifically dealing with private jet travel, it does nothing to reform amicus brief abuse, and leaves the door open wide for Federalist Society junkets for select justices. This code also strongly discourages recusals. Moreover, the code fails to provide a mechanism for the filing and adjudication of complaints, which is why I will continue to emphasize the need for Congress to pass my bill, the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency (SCERT) Act to provide true accountability to the American people.”

###