Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing a Charade

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 on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s meeting today to advance the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court:

“Senate Republicans have disrespected Justice Ginsburg’s final wish, the will of the more than 15 million people who have already voted, and the people who continue to suffer due to Senate inaction during this pandemic. This charade is not normal and unacceptable.

“Barrett was evasive this week, refusing to say presidents should commit to the peaceful transfer of power, and claiming she didn’t know that voter intimidation is illegal. But we also saw the power that the Court has in people’s lives. We heard stories that make clear that access to health care, reproductive rights, and so much more is on the line.

“As Senate Democrats have shown this morning, it is insulting that Chair Graham scheduled this meeting before the hearing even concluded. Graham and the Senate Republicans are too busy placing Barrett on the fastest track to confirmation in modern history to help those in need. The Senate must get its priorities right and serve the people.”

Read The Leadership Conference’s letter in opposition to the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett signed by 168 organizations.

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.