In response to the Supreme Court’s landmark immunity ruling, House Democrat Rep. Joseph Morelle of New York is preparing a constitutional amendment to reverse the decision and ensure that no president is above the law. The proposed amendment comes in the wake of the court’s conservative majority decision, which granted broad immunity to presidents from criminal prosecution for actions taken within their official duties. This ruling has raised concerns about the accountability of public officials, particularly as former President Donald Trump seeks to return to the White House.
Rep. Morelle, in a statement to the Associated Press, emphasized the importance of prioritizing democracy and holding leaders accountable for their decisions. He expressed the need for colleagues to support the amendment as a crucial step in protecting the democratic values of the nation.
However, the proposed constitutional amendment faces significant challenges in Congress, where a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate is required for initiation. With the current political landscape of divided government, achieving such a consensus is deemed highly unlikely. Additionally, the amendment would need ratification by three-fourths of the states, a process that could take years to complete.
Despite the formidable obstacles, supporters of the proposed amendment believe it is a necessary step towards ensuring that public officers, including the president, are not exempt from accountability under the law. The amendment aims to establish a norm where all individuals, regardless of their position, can face consequences for violating laws.
In a letter to colleagues, Rep. Morelle quoted the dissenting opinions of Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, underscoring the importance of upholding the principles of democracy and preventing authoritarian control in governance. The push for the constitutional amendment aligns with efforts to safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions and prevent potential abuses of power.
While the path towards amending the U.S. Constitution is arduous and uncertain, the proposed legislation signifies a critical response to the Supreme Court’s ruling and sets the stage for further debates on presidential accountability and the rule of law in the United States.
