Cornyn says Durbin 'broke' Judiciary Committee with subpoenas of conservatives

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) excoriated Senate Democrats led by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) who voted to subpoena conservative figures regarding a Supreme Court code of conduct.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to subpoena Republican donor Harlan Crow and activist Leonard Leo on Thursday, and Republicans saw the move as a political calculation rather than something that was needed.

"Mr. Chairman, you just destroyed one of the most important committees in the United States Senate," Cornyn said. "And you set a precedent, which will be repeated every time one party or the other takes advantage and takes the low road. It sets a precedent that will then become the norm."

"Congratulations on destroying the United States Senate Judiciary Committee," he said.

Among his complaints was Durbin's refusal to let Republican committee members speak during the deliberations.

The Supreme Court issued its own code of conduct last month after criticism of Crow and Leo's gifts to justices, which they were not required to disclose back when they were received.