Hoosier Amy Coney Barrett will likely be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the next associate justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Thursday’s vote to move the nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee was unanimous with Republicans. Democrats on the committee did not show up.
Instead, their chairs were filled with large pics of people who might be affected if the Affordable Care Act is overturned.
“They choose to continue the theater that was part of the hearing,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).
Some Democrats have said they believe Barrett, a former law professor at Notre Dame, and judge for the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, would automatically vote in favor of overturning ObamaCare in a Nov. 10 case. Barrett said during questioning that she would approach the case with an open mind.
“To all the people out there wondering about Judge Barrett, I can tell you this. The law of Amy will not be applied to a case in controversy. It will be the law as written in the Constitution, or by statute or by whatever regulatory body she’s gonna review,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the chair of the committee.
Graham recalled a rule change in 2013, which was then to the advantage of Democrats that allowed the packing of the DC Circuit Court, which now allows the Senate to confirm Judge Barrett with a simple majority.
“I remember telling Sen. Schumer, you will regret this. Today he will regret it.”
Barrett could be confirmed as early as Monday and could begin serving immediately.