"Congressional Power to Reform Supreme Court Examined"

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said that Congress has the power to reform Supreme Court ethics rules, despite arguments that it would violate the separation of powers. Whitehouse pointed out that the ethics law at the center of the controversy surrounding Clarence Thomas’ failure to disclose gifts he received while serving on the court is a law Congress passed. However, he also acknowledged that Congress has no say in cases within the judicial branch of government.