10.13.2020
Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today joined in opposition to the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court of the United States.
“… We write once again to strongly urge the Senate to honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s final wish and legacy by not considering any nominee to the Supreme Court until a nomination can be made by the winner of the upcoming election,” the lawmakers said. “President Trump and Senate Republicans are not only attempting to fill a seat as people are currently voting, but the President has also made clear that he would only appoint justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade and dismantle the Affordable Care Act. The President’s nominee to the Supreme Court, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, has already indicated through her judicial record and public statements that she would do both.”
The lawmakers continued: “As elected officials, it is our duty to honor the choices of the electorate. Fast-tracking the confirmation of this nominee to the Supreme Court in the middle of an election is nothing less than an affront to our democracy.’”
The lawmakers added: “… While the pandemic continues to ravage the lives and economic well-being of people living in the United States and disproportionately impacts communities of color, the Senate refuses to take any action to address this suffering. Instead of voting on a COVID-19 relief package, Senate Republicans are focused on cementing their control of the judiciary... ”
The lawmakers concluded: “Judge Barrett has an extreme record on racism in the workplace, the Affordable Care Act and access to health care, marriage equality, the rights of immigrants and people seeking asylum and criminal justice. Confirming her nomination risks the most fundamental rights and freedoms of all Americans ... We need a justice who will work to protect equal justice under the law for all, not just a privileged few – Judge Barrett does not meet that standard.”