WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding its vote on President Trump’s nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court.
If confirmed, Barrett, 48, would replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the high court.
Updated October 22: The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate. Republicans powered past a Democratic boycott of the session Thursday to keep confirmation of President Donald Trump’s pick on track before Election Day. Democratic senators refused to show up in protest of the GOP’s rush to install Trump’s nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Senate has never confirmed a Supreme Court nominee so close to a presidential election. Senators plan to convene a rare weekend session for procedural actions ahead of a final confirmation vote expected Monday. – Associated Press
Earlier Coverage: After a day of opening statements from members of the panel and from Barrett, Tuesday and Wednesday are devoted to questioning of the nominee. Outside witnesses testify for and against Barrett on Thursday.
The nomination has become a political lightning rod as Democrats charge that Republicans are rushing it to get Barrett confirmed before the Nov. 3 election. Democrats say the seat should be filled by the next president.
It’s also unclear how the coronavirus pandemic will affect the hearings. Two GOP members of the panel, Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have tested positive for the virus.
Democrats, led by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, had demanded that the hearing be postponed “to ensure that we don’t risk the health and safety of fellow senators, Senate staff, other Senate employees, as well as Judge Barrett and her family.”
But committee chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., vowed to press forward and tweeted, “Any Senator who wants to participate virtually will be allowed to do so.” Lee attended in person on Monday.
All members who wish to vote on Barrett’s nomination will have to be present, however, when it comes time. The committee is expected to vote on Oct. 22, followed by a full Senate vote.
This post was originally published on Monday at 8 a.m. ET.
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