In an unprecedented disclosure, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's unique practice of traveling with medical support has sparked a national conversation.
The Huffington Post reported that this was discovered by the nonpartisan watchdog, Fix the Court, through U.S. Marshals Service records, heightening concerns regarding her health and potential impact on the Supreme Court's future.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, at the age of 69, stands out as the solitary justice among her peers for her practice of having a medic accompany her on trips. This detail came to light through the relentless efforts of Fix the Court, a nonpartisan watchdog dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability within the U.S. Supreme Court. Their investigation into the U.S. Marshals Service records, responsible for the justices' security, has shed light on this unique arrangement.
For instance, in February 2018, records show that a medic from Grand Junction, Colorado, traveled with Justice Sotomayor to southern Florida. This level of medical support is not common among justices, raising eyebrows and questions alike. Additionally, during a three-day book tour covering Illinois and Tennessee in October of the same year, expenditures were noted for "baggage (medic)," clearly indicating that medical support is not just a precaution but a necessity.
Justice Sotomayor has publicly battled with Type 1 diabetes since she was diagnosed at the tender age of 7. The condition, requiring constant monitoring and management, came to the public's attention when in January 2018, Sotomayor was treated at her home for a low blood sugar incident.
Between 2021 and 2022, at least four trips made by Sotomayor were documented with references to "medical gear" or "medical supplies" by the Marshals Service. These trips, among others, have painted a picture of a justice taking her health considerations seriously. Sotomayor, the oldest of the three justices appointed by Democrats, faces scrutiny over her long-term ability to serve on the bench effectively.
Despite her health challenges, Justice Sotomayor has not shied away from her duties or the public eye. In 2018, she embarked on a journey to promote two children’s books, demonstrating her commitment to engaging with communities and spreading knowledge. This endeavor required frequent travel, during which she was accompanied by U.S. Marshals, highlighting the level of security and medical preparedness involved in her movements.
Justice Sotomayor's tenure on the court, nearing 15 years since her appointment in August, places her in a position of experience and wisdom. Unlike her colleague Justice Stephen Breyer, Sotomayor has not been subject to the same public pressures from her party to consider retirement.
Sotomayor is notably cautious due to her preexisting condition, opting to resume in-person oral arguments with a mask in early 2022, a practice less common among her peers.
Her questionable health combined with this new discovery is driving more talk among Democrats about calling on her to retire in order to ensure President Biden can pick her replacement. Were she to retire or pass away under a Republican president, the Supreme Court would shift to a 7-2 conservative majority.
The topic of liberal justices retiring has been a sensitive issue for Democrats, especially following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The subsequent replacement underscored the impact such vacancies can have on the Supreme Court's composition and the nation's legal landscape.
Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, suggested that while it's important to recognize the dedication of justices like Sotomayor, there should also be a conversation on the reasonable expectations regarding their tenure. The remark, “In the last 55 years, that number has now doubled. But the idea that Justice Sotomayor might be considering staying on the court until, I don’t know, Naomi Biden [the president’s granddaughter] is president, is probably not something a lot of folks would want to see,” emphasizes the balance between service and the physical capability of justices to perform their duties.
Sotomayor herself has voiced the importance of her work and the significance of her decisions for future generations. In a poignant address to students at the University of California, Berkeley, she remarked on how each loss "truly traumatizes me." Her dissents, she explained, are crafted with an eye towards a "different culture," one that may view her contributions with the respect and understanding they deserve.
The revelation of Justice Sotomayor's travel arrangements with medical support by Fix the Court raises essential questions about the health of our justices and the future of the Supreme Court. It signifies a broader dialogue concerning transparency, accountability, and the welfare of those serving in our nation's highest court.
In conclusion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor's practice of traveling with medical support, as uncovered by Fix the Court, provides a rare glimpse into the private struggles of those in the public eye. With concerns surrounding her health and its implication on the Supreme Court's composition, this revelation brings to the forefront the conversation on justice tenure, retirement, and the balance between personal health and public duty. Sotomayor's resilience in the face of health challenges, dedication to her role, and conscious effort to safeguard her wellbeing, all while fulfilling her duties, exemplifies a commitment to service that transcends personal adversity.
