(Photo by Mandel Ngan-Pool/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON D.C., Thursday, October 15, 2020 ~ Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham announced, after panel approval, that the committee vote for Supreme Court Nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett is scheduled for Thursday, October 22. Should the nomination be approved, the vote by the full Senate will follow, and is expected to take place just days before the November 3 Election Day.
Democrats, feeling the hearing process was rushed, with some calling it a “sham”, opposed the movement and attempted to delay the nomination. “The consequence of this rushed process is that we have given inadequate scrutiny to this nominee,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D – Connecticut) “I move to delay these proceedings so that we can do our job and ask, again, for all the documents.” The action to postpone was rejected in a 12-10 party-line vote. A suggestion by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D – New York) to withhold quorum could delay the vote, though attendance by all twelve Republican committee members means the process would proceed regardless.
Chairman Senator Lindsey Graham (R – South Carolina), Senator Dianne Feinstein (D – California) and Senator Dick Durbin (D – Illinois) attend the fourth day of the Supreme Court confirmation hearing. (Photo by Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images)
With a filibuster no longer possible for Supreme Court nominations, a majority vote of 51 would end the debate, though Democrats are outnumbered 53 – 47 in the Senate. “I recognize our Democratic friends wish there was a Democratic majority in the Senate, but the voters decided otherwise,” Senator Ted Cruz (R – Texas) said “So this committee moving forward is consistent with over 200 years of history.”
Mr. Graham told Democrats they would do the same given the opportunity, and also acknowledged the potential outcome of the presidential election. “You all have a good chance of winning the White House” said Graham, and cemented that voters elected a Republican majority senate, while also noting the tides may soon turn.
The hearings have concluded. For a recap on the events, visit WJR.com/SupremeCourt.