CNN —A top Senate Democrat on Saturday accused conservative Supreme Court justices of violating federal disclosure laws in a lengthy report that caps a monthslong investigation by the Senate Judiciary Committee and comes weeks before Republicans take control of the chamber. Both Thomas and Alito have cited the “personal hospitality” exemption from annual reporting requirements, which they said relieved them of any obligation to report the trips. In response to the outcry over the Thomas trips, the Supreme Court adopted its first-ever code of conduct a year ago, but the document quickly faced criticism because it includes no enforcement mechanism. Durbin’s report also recounts a scandal this year involving two controversial flags – including an upside-down US flag – hoisted over properties that Alito owns. Republicans, including Trump, have defended Thomas and Alito and have accused Democrats of trying to delegitimize the court’s conservative majority by focusing on ethics.

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Persons: Sen, Dick Durbin, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, ”, ” Durbin, Durbin –, Thomas ’, Thomas, Alito, –, Thomas “, Ginni Thomas, Donald Trump, Durbin Organizations: CNN, Senate, Committee, GOP, Federal, Trump, Republicans, White Locations: Illinois