National Action Network’s Statement on the Confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett

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Oct 27, 2020

Yesterday evening, Judge Amy Coney Barrett became the first Supreme Court Justice in history to be confirmed so close to Election Day. Tens of millions of voters have already cast their ballots this election season and the American people deserved to have the next President elected, regardless of party, fill this vital seat. This year, the Senate majority’s insensitive actions have indicated that the people’s priorities do not match their agenda. While rushing to confirm Judge Barrett, the Senate Majority continued to ignore critical legislation such as another COVID-19 pandemic relief package, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation for a lifetime appointment to the United States Supreme Court jeopardizes decades of championed civil rights protections. Judge Barrett’s radically conservative ideology and track record threatens the most significant aspects of hard-fought anti-discrimination laws won during the civil rights movement. The now ultra-conservative bench could transform the legal landscape in the United States for generations, affecting voting rights, healthcare, affirmative action, women’s rights, religious freedoms, LGBTQ+ rights, the scope of federal regulation over the environment, workplace safety, and consumer protections.

This misrepresentation of the political process jeopardizes the legitimacy of our court. Under the judicial oath text, a new member of the bench promises to “administer justice without respect to persons and do equal right to the poor and the rich.”

We, the people are diverse and multifaceted. We vow to protect and advocate for transparency, reform, and accountability in our judicial nomination and confirmation process.