WASHINGTON, D.C., October 22, 2020 – This morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12–0 along party lines to advance the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett. Senate Democrats boycotted the vote, instead leaving behind reminders of the vulnerable Americans whose health care Amy Coney Barrett would take away.
This vote only took place because Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham violated the committee’s rules to force it through without any members of the minority present. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is now rushing it to the Senate floor by Monday.
Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron issued the following statement:
“Senate Republicans believe ‘advice and consent’ means performing the theatre of a hearing without scrutinizing the nominee in the least. Amy Coney Barrett refused to answer the most fundamental questions about our democracy and human rights. Today’s vote shows Senate Republicans are already confident that she will advance their agenda.
We know that Amy Coney Barrett is an ultraconservative who will erode our critical rights and freedoms. The additional documents that have come to light after being absent from her initial disclosure only confirm her radicalism. Senate Republicans voted for her knowing she will rule against access to health care, reproductive freedom, and democracy itself. She will cause irreparable harm to the lives of the American people.
Make no mistake about what we’re witnessing: an effort to undo and block decades of progress toward a more just and democratic society. But the fight is not over.”