WASHINGTON, D.C., October 12, 2020 — Today kicked off the first day of hearings in the illegitimate nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. During opening statements, Senate Democrats discussed passionately the importance of access to health care and protections for Americans with preexisting conditions. The focus was sharply on the likelihood that Barrett will invalidate the Affordable Care Act and the harmful impact that will have on millions.
Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron released the following statement:
“The first day of this hearing made it obvious that one group of lawmakers cares about protecting the health of Americans while the other only cares about stealing power. Amy Coney Barrett’s record makes obvious that she would overturn one of our nation’s most important health care laws.
Astonishingly, several Senate Republicans actually claimed that Barrett would never do something so cruel as ending protections for people with preexisting conditions, even though that’s exactly what they’re asking of the Supreme Court. After attempting to repeal these protections dozens of times, it is brazen dishonesty for Republican lawmakers to now claim Barrett wasn’t selected for that specific purpose.
After watching Senate Republicans chase phantoms all day to justify this extremist nominee and shameful process, it’s as clear as ever what a sham these hearings are.”