Legislation is expected to be introduced on Thursday by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a bid to reverse the U.S. Supreme Court‘s ruling on presidential immunity.
The Associated Press first reported that Schumer is seeking to introduce the No Kings Act this week to fight the ruling by the Supreme Court. According to the AP, the legislation will also seek to allow Congress to decide where federal law is applied to presidents and former presidents, instead of the Supreme Court.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued a ruling on presidential immunity following arguments by former President Donald Trump.
In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled last month that former presidents have absolute immunity for official acts, but no immunity at all for private acts.
The case in question was led by the U.S. Department of Justice and Special Counsel Jack Smith, focusing on Trump’s alleged role surrounding the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot and Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election, won by President Joe Biden. Trump denies wrongdoing and claimed immunity.
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While speaking about the plan to propose legislation, Schumer said: “Given the dangerous and consequential implications of the court’s ruling, legislation would be the fastest and most efficient method to correcting the grave precedent the Trump ruling presented.”.
In addition to the legislation from Schumer, last week, Rep. Joseph Morelle of New York introduced a constitutional amendment seeking to undo the court’s landmark decision in Trump v. United States.
“Presidents are not monarchy, they are not tyrants, and shall not be immune,” Morelle said in a statement.
“Earlier this month the Supreme Court of the United States undermined not just the foundation of our constitutional government, but the foundation of our democracy,” Morelle said. “At its core, our nation relies on the principle that no American stands above another in the eyes of the law.”
The proposed constitutional amendment would provide that “there is no immunity from criminal prosecution for an act on the grounds that such act was within the constitutional authority or official duties of an individual.” It would also prohibit a president from pardoning themselves.
According to The Associated Press, the Senate bill from Schumer currently has over two dozen Democratic sponsors.
U.S. President Joe Biden also recently announced plans to enact a code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices. Biden’s plan, released on Monday seeks to “restore trust and accountability” back to the court. The plan includes three reforms, including a binding and enforceable code of conduct for the Supreme Court.
Newsweek reached out to Trump’s spokesperson and Schumer’s press contact via email for comment.
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