[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 197 (Thursday, November 30, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5682-S5683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                           U.S. Supreme Court

  Mr. President, on the Judiciary Committee's actions today, the words 
etched on the front of the Supreme Court read ``Equal Justice Under 
Law.'' But when ultrarich ideologues can use their wealth to 
potentially leapfrog to the front of the line of justice, the promise 
of equal justice is violated, and the result is a crisis of confidence 
in the integrity of our courts.
  So, today, the Senate Judiciary Committee is taking an important step 
to restore Americans' confidence in the Supreme Court by voting to 
authorize subpoenas to Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo, who have both used 
their power and wealth to gain undisclosed access to Supreme Court 
Justices.
  I support the Judiciary Committee's vote to authorize these subpoenas 
because, frankly, the American people are tired of seeing reports of 
Supreme Court Justices accepting lavish gifts and vacations from 
billionaires and

[[Page S5683]]

MAGA extremists. And then these same Justices turn around and gut 
affirmative action, block student debt relief for millions of 
Americans, greenlight discrimination against the LGBTQ community, and 
so much else. The hypocrisy is undeniable, and the American people see 
right through it. These very same billionaires who are pushing cases 
through the Court having the ability to travel on jets and go to 
resorts and buy them gifts is just outrageous.
  So, today, Senate Democrats are taking action to look under the hood 
and make sure we increase transparency, which these subpoenas would do.
  Once again, I support the Senate Judiciary's vote to authorize these 
subpoenas. I thank Chairman Durbin and my colleagues on the committee 
for their work.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.