Chief Justice Hasn’t Responded to Testimony Invite, Durbin Says

  • Thomas reportedly accepted gifts, trips from Republican donor
  • Senate Democrats’ call on Roberts to investigate sent to panel
Chief Justice John RobertsPhotographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg
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A request by Senate Democrats that Chief Justice John Roberts investigate possible ethics violations by Justice Clarence Thomas has instead been referred to a judicial panel, prompting a renewed request for Roberts to testify on the matter.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin said Saturday a request by him and the panel’s other Democrats that Roberts investigate a news report that Thomas accepted lavish trips from a Republican donor was referred to a committee of the Judicial Conference that deals with ethics and financial disclosures.