Despite Senate Democrats’ attempts to slow down the process, the Senate confirmed Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court yesterday, according to NPR. The Senate voted 52-48 in favor of the confirmation of Barrett in one of the closest votes ever recorded, according to CNN. President Trump rushed to nominate her last month for the seat left vacant after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
A White House socially-distanced ceremony in which guests in the crowd wore masks, unlike the recent Rose Garden super-spreader event, was held for Barrett last night. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the constitutional oath. Trump referred to the occasion as a “momentous day.”
Since Barrett is only 48, she could possibly serve on the Supreme Court for decades, and her rulings could impact generations. Her appointment also solidifies the court’s conservative majority. Barrett will now be able to rule on upcoming cases, including the future of the Affordable Care Act, the 2020 census, and possibly the presidential election despite having not served on any courts until 2017.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) blasted Republicans, saying it was a “cynical power grab.” He pointed out they refused to even consider Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, almost eight months before the 2016 election.
“My colleagues, there is no escaping this glaring hypocrisy,” Schumer said.
