Senate Hearing Erupts as Democrats Subpoena Conservative Activists, Prompting GOP Walkout

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to subpoena Republican donor Harlan Crow and conservative judicial activist Leonard Leo as part of an ethics probe into allegations that Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito failed to disclose luxury vacations paid for by conservative friends. The hearing became contentious, with Sen. John Cornyn accusing Chairman Dick Durbin of destroying the committee and setting a dangerous precedent. Democrats argue for more stringent ethics standards for the Supreme Court, while Republicans criticize the move as an infringement on the judiciary's independence. Leo has refused to cooperate with the Senate Democrats' investigation.