Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing On The Nomination Of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson To The Supreme Court
Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the ongoing Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
Yesterday, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson offered a 13-hour master class of why she deserves to be the 116th Justice of the United States Supreme Court. She was simply impressive.
It was clear to anyone watching Judge Jackson’s brilliant legal mind that it was running in high gear; she remained measured and poised and thoughtful as she worked through yesterday’s grueling series of questions.
Over the course of the day, Judge Jackson affirmed that she will approach her role on the Supreme Court with prudence, a respect for precedent, and by serving in the same mainstream fashion as the great Justice whose seat she would fill.
At times, the Judge also displayed one of her greatest strengths: her grace and poise even during moments when a handful of Republicans asked intentionally misleading questions, questions which even their fellow Republicans found uncomfortable. Republicans tried to land a blow but Judge Jackson kept her cool.
By the end of the day, it was obvious why the Judge’s nomination has won the support of everyone from law enforcement, to conservative judges, to scores of peers throughout her career. I expect she will reach final confirmation by the end of this work period.
And now, even as the Judge continues her testimony today, the Senate will also be busy confirming other judges to important positions across the federal bench.
I’m proud to say that last night, the Senate confirmed its fiftieth judge under President Biden, and by the end of tonight we could reach as many as 58 total judges.
But doing that is going to take a lot of focus and patience, just as we required last week. I will once again ask my colleagues that in order to move through tonight’s votes quickly, we should stay in our seats or as close to the Senate floor as possible.
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