Clarence Thomas' Money Concerns Raise Resignation Speculations

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas reportedly expressed concerns about his financial situation and suggested he might resign in 2000 if Congress did not raise justices' pay. Thomas, who was in significant debt at the time, told a House Republican that "one or more justices will leave soon" if a pay raise was not granted. However, no pay raise was passed, and Congress has also not changed the ban on justices giving paid speeches. Thomas' concerns were relayed to Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who included a plea for increased judicial salaries in his year-end message to lawmakers. The full extent of Thomas' financial situation remains unclear, but he has denied any wrongdoing.