Schumer introduces the No Kings Act

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced the No Kings Act to counter the Supreme Court’s recent decision granting presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution for actions within their official duties. This legislation aims to clarify that presidents are not above criminal law and asserts that Congress, not the Supreme Court, determines the application of federal criminal law. The decision, made by the court’s conservative majority, has significant implications for ongoing cases, including the Justice Department’s case against former President Donald Trump regarding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Schumer emphasized the urgency of the legislation to correct what he views as a dangerous precedent. The bill has over two dozen Democratic co-sponsors, but faces significant opposition from Republicans, making its passage unlikely in the divided Senate. President Joe Biden has also called for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, establish term limits, and enforce an ethics code for Supreme Court justices. Despite these efforts, passing such amendments would be challenging due to the required two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

Source: AP News