Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act

HR 8609, the Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act, creates two new offices within the Supreme Court: an Office of Ethics Counsel to advise justices on ethical matters like financial disclosures and gift acceptance, and an Office of Investigative Counsel to review formal ethics complaints. The Ethics Counsel provides biannual training to justices and submits annual reports to Congress on ethics advice given, while the Investigative Counsel handles complaints filed only by specific congressional leaders (e.g., committee chairs, Senate leaders) and can issue subpoenas for investigations. If a complaint is validated, the Investigative Counsel submits a report to the Chief Justice (or senior associate justice if the Chief is the subject) with findings and recommendations, which must be shared with relevant congressional committees. The bill establishes specific qualifications, pay rates ($180,000-$225,000 annually), and term limits for both offices’ staff.