The nomination of a new Supreme Court justice has always been a contentious process. However, with the current nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, many are expecting even more heated confirmation hearings than usual. Originally nominated by President Donald Trump, Judge Barrett has faced considerable opposition since her nomination was announced on September 26th, 2020.
Background on the Nomination
President Trump has been vocal about his intent to nominate a new justice to the Supreme Court before the 2020 election. His nomination of Judge Barrett was seen as a largely politically-motivated decision, as she has been viewed as the most likely Trump appointee to overturn or otherwise challenge Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that made abortion legal in the United States.
Confirmation Hearings
The confirmation hearings for Judge Barrett began on October 12th, 2020 and will continue until October 15th, 2020. Though the hearings are expected to be heated, both Republican and Democratic representatives have a number of important questions that they must ask the judge, who has a history of conservative judicial opinions.
Democratic Arguments
The Democratic representatives on the Senate Judiciary Committee have a diverse set of questions for Judge Barrett. Some are focused on Roe v. Wade and the potential for the judge to issue a ruling that could undermine it. Other questions focus on the Affordable Care Act and whether, as President Trump has said, the judge would work to see the end of the act. The Democrats are also expected to ask Judge Barrett a range of questions related to her political and religious beliefs, as they want to understand just how far her decisions would be based on those beliefs.
Republican Arguments
The Republican members of the committee are focused on the qualifications of Judge Barrett. They will be asking her a range of questions related to her academic background, her experience as a judge, and her legal philosophy. The Republicans hope to make it clear to their fellow senators and to the public that Judge Barrett is a qualified and impartial jurist who should be approved for the position.
Prospects for Success
Despite the considerable opposition to her nomination, Judge Barrett looks likely to be approved for the Supreme Court. There is a Republican majority in the Senate, and it is considered likely that the majority of those senators will vote for her confirmation. This means that, barring a major scandal or change of heart, Judge Barrett is likely to receive the 50 votes necessary for confirmation.
The confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett are expected to be highly contentious. Both Democrats and Republicans will be asking her a range of questions related to her qualifications and her political and religious beliefs. Though there is opposition to her nomination, she is likely to receive the necessary 50 votes to be approved for the position.