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The Senate Judiciary Committee is calling for Chief Justice John Roberts to testify about ethical standards in the Supreme Court.

A ProPublica report revealing undisclosed real estate deals and gifts from billionaire Harlan Crow and Justice Clarence Thomas led to a Democrat outcry. Thomas defended the gifts, saying he was advised that the trips did not need to be disclosed.

But Chairman Dick Durbin says that Thomas’s acceptance of gifts resulted in unethical behavior that undermined the integrity of the court.

So far the hearing is optional, and the Chairman told CNN he would not pursue a subpoena. That would be an unprecedented step since it’s rare for Justices to speak before lawmakers outside of budget matters.
Meanwhile Republicans have accused Democrats of conducting a smear campaign against Thomas.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee called the attacks on Thomas, “another inexcusable and blatant partisan attack, designed only to mislead the public and smear an honorable man.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also spoke out against the probe:

GOP senators are in agreement that there is no need for Roberts to participate in the May 2 hearing as it should be handled internally by the Supreme Court.