Bill Text: NJ AJR233 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Condemns Justice Clarence Thomas' actions and urges Congress to investigate possible ethics violations and establish stringent ethics for members of the United States Supreme Court.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-11-20 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee [AJR233 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-AJR233-Introduced.html
No. 233
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
220th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED NOVEMBER 20, 2023
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman HERB CONAWAY, JR.
District 7 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Condemns Justice Clarence Thomas' actions and urges Congress to investigate possible ethics violations and establish stringent ethics rules for members of the United States Supreme Court.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution condemning the actions of Justice Clarence Thomas and urging Congress to investigate possible ethics violations and establish stringent ethics rules for members of the United States Supreme Court.
Whereas, The "Ethics in Government Act of 1978" requires Supreme Court Justices to publicly disclose certain financial transactions, a requirement intended to maintain the integrity of public officials and institutions; and
Whereas, United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has accepted numerous luxury trips over the span of two decades, funded by real estate magnate and Republican donor Harlan Crow; and
Whereas, Justice Thomas accepted these trips without reporting them on his annual financial disclosures; and
Whereas, Mr. Crow purchased property from Justice Thomas, which was also not disclosed; and
Whereas, Mr. Crow's generosity has afforded him with unique access to and influence over Justice Thomas; and
Whereas, Mr. Crow's connections in conservative politics and political motivations raise questions about the potential influence he may have over Justice Thomas' views and the United States Supreme Court; and
Whereas, There is no known precedent in the modern history of the United States Supreme Court for the extent and quantity of Mr. Crow's gifts to Justice Thomas; and
Whereas, Justice Thomas' failure to report these gifts and trips and his controversial decision to not recuse himself from cases presenting a conflict of interest have raised concerns about his ethics and integrity; and
Whereas, Justice Thomas has disregarded higher ethical obligations and eroded public trust by violating long-standing norms of judicial conduct; and
Whereas, The Governor and Legislature respectfully urge Congress to investigate possible ethics violations and establish stringent ethics rules for members of the United States Supreme Court to ensure that this position of public trust is insulated from the pressures and potential misconduct of politics; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Governor and Legislature strongly condemn the actions of Justice Clarence Thomas in accepting an unprecedented amount of luxury trips and gifts from billionaire Harlan Crow and respectfully urge Congress to investigate possible ethics violations and establish stringent ethics rules for members of the United States Supreme Court.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of the State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate; the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives; and every member of Congress elected from this State.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution condemns the actions of United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Billionaire Harlan Crow has gifted Justice Clarence Thomas numerous luxury trips over the past two decades. Justice Clarence Thomas failed to disclose these trips and other transactions on his annual financial disclosures, contrary to the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. The scale and frequency of Harlan Crow's generosity towards Justice Clarence Thomas is unprecedented in the modern United States Supreme Court and raises concerns regarding judicial ethics and integrity.
This resolution also respectfully urges Congress to investigate possible ethics violations and establish more stringent ethics rules for members of the United States Supreme Court. Ensuring the higher ethical obligations of the United States Supreme Court is integral to retaining public trust and preventing undue political influence or misconduct.
