The Senate Judiciary Committee wrapped up its first week of confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett today. The committee will vote next Thursday on whether to advance Judge Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate.
Judge Barrett’s answers to questions from Senators over the past four days demonstrate her extensive knowledge of the law and our Constitution. A few exchanges in particular reveal why she would be an important addition to the Supreme Court:
- Americans deserve an independent Court: “I believe Americans of all backgrounds deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written,” she said.
- The rule of law is sacred: Judge Barrett was asked why she accepted President Trump’s nomination for the Supreme Court. “If we are to protect our institutions, and protect the freedoms, and protect the rule of law that’s the basis for the society and the freedom that we all enjoy—if we want that for our children and our children’s children—then we need to participate in that work.”
- Judges shouldn’t be pundits: Each day this week, Senate Democrats tried to force Judge Barrett to share her personal political opinions. “I don’t think we want judges to be legal pundits. I think we want judges to approach cases thoughtfully, with an open mind,” she said.
- Decisions must be based in law: “When I write an opinion resolving a case, I read every word from the perspective of the losing party. I ask myself how I would view the decision if one of my children was the party that I was ruling against,” Judge Barrett said. “Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in law?”
- People of faith can serve: Democrats and left wing pundits suggest that Judge Barrett can’t be impartial because of her deeply held Catholic faith. Sen. Lindsay Graham asked Barrett if she would be able to set aside any personal beliefs in deciding the cases that come before her. “I can. I have done that in my time on the Seventh Circuit,” she said. “If I stay on the Seventh Circuit, I’ll continue to do that. If I’m confirmed to the Supreme Court, I will do that still.”
This week’s hearings confirm what Americans already knew: Amy Coney Barrett is exceptionally qualified to sit on our Supreme Court. She has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to upholding our Constitution as written—and not legislating from the bench.
Most important, she will serve the American people with honor, distinction, and tremendous character on our Supreme Court.
