As Pandemic Escalates, Trump Taps Nominees to Limit Health Care Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rafael Medina, [email protected], 202.869.0390

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s intent to nominate Cory Wilson to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Justin Walker to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit:

“Americans need access to medical attention now more than ever. As millions are wondering how to pay health bills amid a pandemic, President Trump is intensifying his campaign to deny people in America access to health care. He continues to say the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional, and this week he announced his intent to nominate two right-wing ideologues who have demonstrated unconscionable opposition toward health care access for important circuit court seats.

“Trump intends to nominate Justin Walker to the influential DC Circuit. Walker helped lead the lobbying campaign for Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court and lauded Kavanaugh for providing a ‘roadmap’ to overturn the Affordable Care Act. Earlier this week, Trump also announced that he intends to nominate Cory Wilson to the Fifth Circuit. Wilson has called the Affordable Care Act ‘freedom-infringing,’ ‘perverse,’ and ‘illegitimate.’ Walker and Wilson have both demonstrated hostility to a wide range of other critical civil and human rights issues as well, and Walker has little relevant legal experience.

“We call on the White House and Republican senators to prioritize the safety and health of everyone in this country instead of installing judges who will endanger our collective well-being during such a dangerous and unsettling time.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.