Allegation of Supreme Court Breach Prompts Renewed Calls for Ethics Code
New York TimesNov 29, 2022
US House Committee to Hear Testimony About Alleged SCOTUS Leak
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The Facts
The US House Judiciary Committee was set Thursday to hear the testimony of Reverend Rod Schenck, a former anti-abortion activist who claimed in a New York Times report last month that SCOTUS Justice Samuel Alito leaked the 2014 Hobby Lobby v. Burwell ruling to conservative activists.
The Times report detailed how Alito prematurely revealed the decision to Gayle Wright, a member of Schenck’s organization, during one of several dinners the group had in an alleged effort to influence conservative justices.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Everyone reportedly involved in this so-called leak has denied it, and there are many holes in Schenck’s story. Plus, he’s a flip-flopper who once opposed abortion but now believes it should be left up to individuals. Schenck isn’t credible, and neither is this serious accusation. This investigation is a waste of Congress’ time.
Democratic narrative
It’s important that Congress look deeper into this matter, and getting testimony from Schenck is a step in the right direction. Although the court counsel provided lawmakers with a letter that included denials from Alito and Wright, the Times report alluded to evidence the justice and his friend might not be telling the whole truth. Only a thorough investigation will clear this up.
