Dick Durbin Defends Inviting Chief Justice John Roberts to Testify on Supreme Court Ethics Rules

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, has defended his decision to invite Chief Justice John Roberts to testify on Supreme Court ethics rules following reports about Justice Clarence Thomas’ undisclosed acceptance of luxury gifts and real estate transactions.

In an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Durbin said that Roberts is an “articulate, well-schooled man,” who probably would “do well” responding to senators’ questions.

Durbin also addressed why he didn’t call on Thomas to appear before the committee, saying: “I think I know what would happen to that invitation.” He added that the allegations against Thomas have been referred to a judicial committee that reviews financial disclosures.

When asked by host Chuck Todd if Thomas’ reported conduct would amount to a violation of law if he were a circuit court judge, Durbin said: “That’s exactly the point.”

In a letter Thursday, Durbin requested Roberts or another Supreme Court justice designated by him to testify at a public hearing next month regarding ethics reform for the court. The hearing is expected to take place in early October.