Overview

• Democrats are calling on Chief Justice John Roberts to get involved in scrutinizing the luxury trips Justice Clarence Thomas took with a GOP donor that were not reported.
• Senator Dick Durbin invited Chief Justice Roberts to testify at a Senate hearing about ethics reform for the Supreme Court.
• The controversy stems from recent reporting that revealed Thomas's close ties to a wealthy Republican donor and real estate magnate.
• While Thomas says the trips were taken with close personal friends and did not need to be disclosed, Democrats disagree and say it constitutes misconduct.
• The Supreme Court currently has no binding code of ethics, and Democrats support legislation to impose one to restore public confidence in the institution.