Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced a bill called the “No Kings Act” in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that former President Donald Trump has some immunity for aspects of his presidential conduct. The legislation aims to ensure that neither sitting nor former presidents and vice presidents have immunity from prosecution for alleged crimes. The bill has support from more than two dozen Democratic lawmakers, but faces opposition in the Republican-controlled House. Schumer argues that the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s immunity sets a dangerous precedent, and that Congress has the authority to act as a check and balance to the judicial branch.
Chief Justice John Roberts, in the court’s ruling, stated that a former President should have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during their time in office. President Joe Biden has called for a constitutional amendment to clarify that there is no immunity for crimes committed by a former president while in office. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, supported the court’s decision as a victory for Trump and future presidents, stating that presidents are entitled to immunity for their official acts due to the unique power and position of the presidency.
Democrats lack the necessary supermajorities in Congress and state legislatures to ratify a new constitutional amendment, making the likelihood of passing such an amendment slim. The debate over presidential immunity continues to be a contentious issue in Congress.
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