Calls for Justice Clarence Thomas to Resign Amid Controversy

The absence of Dianne Feinstein, who is hospitalised with shingles, has left Democrats unable to subpoena the chief justice of the US supreme court for testimony over corruption allegations against conservative justice Clarence Thomas. Republicans blocked a move for a temporary committee replacement, slowing Democrats' pace in confirming federal judges. Thomas has been the subject of bombshell reporting from ProPublica about his long relationship with and acceptance of gifts from a rightwing megadonor and collector of Hitler memorabilia. Observers have said Thomas broke the law, but supreme court justices essentially govern themselves.