Amy Coney Barrett confirmed to U.S. Supreme Court amid controversy

Sam Woloson, Editor-in-Chief of The Prowler

On the strength of a 52-48 vote, Judge Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 26. All Democrats voted against it, while all but one Republicans voted for her confirmation. 

The result comes less than 40 days after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg was well-known as a feminist hero and a champion for several key bills during her 27 years of service. 

President Donald Trump nominated Barrett in an effort to fill the vacant seat left by Ginsburg in the Supreme Court prior to election day on Nov. 3. Doing this would secure an uber-conservative court, and given Barrett being only 48-years-old, she’s expected to stay for a while. 

“The oath that I have solemnly taken tonight means at its core that I will do my job without any fear or favor and that I will do so independently of both the political branches and of my own preferences,” said Barrett.

While Republicans have been pushing for the swift confirmation of Barrett, Democrats have been pulling for the exact opposite. They feel that the confirmation is extremely hypocritical and could be very damaging to their agenda. 

In 2016, eight months prior to election day, the still-Republican controlled senate refused to hold hearings for Judge Merrick Garland after the death of Antonin Scalia. The seat would be filled on Jan. 31, 2017 by Judge Neil Gorsuch during President Donald Trump’s first term. 

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled it as a “cynical power grab”, going on to say, There is no escaping this glaring hypocrisy. As I said before, no tit-for-tat convoluted, distorted version of history will wipe away the stain that will exist forever with this Republican majority and with this Republican leader.”

University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck predicts that with Barrett’s confirmation, the court will become the most conservative it is has been since the 1930s. 

The strong Republican-majority means that most votes on issues can be expected to lean right. This includes highly controversial and critical issues like abortion, second amendment rights, climate change, civil rights and healthcare, among others. Votes on these issues could have irreversible effects on the nation for the next 30-40 years. Certainly an ill-omen for many of the Democrats, but cause for celebration for Republicans. 

Donald Trump was one of the first to laud the confirmation, applauding Barrett’s grace and intelligence during the hearings and also extending thanks to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his efforts. Trump did say that the justice he nominates would be against Roe v. Wade and also against the Affordable Care Act. Barrett checks both of those boxes and could even begin voting before the election draws to a close. 

Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation represents one more stab to the heart of Democrats by President Trump. He’ll get the last laugh, whether he is elected for four more years or not. 

On the strength of a 52-48 vote, Judge Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 26. All Democrats voted against it, while all but one Republicans voted for her confirmation.
The result comes less than 40 days after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg was well-known as a feminist hero and a champion for several key bills during her 27 years of service.
President Donald Trump nominated Barrett in an effort to fill the vacant seat left by Ginsburg in the Supreme Court prior to election day on Nov. 3. Doing this would secure an uber-conservative court, and given Barrett being only 48-years-old, she’s expected to stay for a while.
“The oath that I have solemnly taken tonight means at its core that I will do my job without any fear or favor and that I will do so independently of both the political branches and of my own preferences,” said Barrett.
While Republicans have been pushing for the swift confirmation of Barrett, Democrats have been pulling for the exact opposite. They feel that the confirmation is extremely hypocritical and could be very damaging to their agenda.
In 2016, eight months prior to election day, the still-Republican controlled senate refused to hold hearings for Judge Merrick Garland after the death of Antonin Scalia. The seat would be filled on Jan. 31, 2017 by Judge Neil Gorsuch during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled it as a “cynical power grab”, going on to say, “There is no escaping this glaring hypocrisy. As I said before, no tit-for-tat convoluted, distorted version of history will wipe away the stain that will exist forever with this Republican majority and with this Republican leader.”
University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck predicts that with Barrett’s confirmation, the court will become the most conservative it is has been since the 1930s.
The strong Republican-majority means that most votes on issues can be expected to lean right. This includes highly controversial and critical issues like abortion, second amendment rights, climate change, civil rights and healthcare, among others. Votes on these issues could have irreversible effects on the nation for the next 30-40 years. Certainly an ill-omen for many of the Democrats, but cause for celebration for Republicans.
Donald Trump was one of the first to laud the confirmation, applauding Barrett’s grace and intelligence during the hearings and also extending thanks to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his efforts. Trump did say that the justice he nominates would be against Roe v. Wade and also against the Affordable Care Act. Barrett checks both of those boxes and could even begin voting before the election draws to a close.
Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation represents one more stab to the heart of Democrats by President Trump. He’ll get the last laugh, whether he is elected for four more years or not.
(NICHOLAS KAMM)