In an undoubtedly losing battle to block
President Trump's nominee to the
Supreme Court, Democratic senators used a final day of hearings to press their case for why Judge
Amy Coney Barrett is dangerous to Americans' healthcare and personal rights.
Barrett was not present for Thursday's proceedings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the agenda called for a number of experts to testify. But the committee members spent the morning in their first real back-and-forth debate over Barrett's qualifications, her reticence to express views, and what
Democrats see as a rushed, "sham" process.
"I recognize this goose is pretty much cooked," said Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who complained that Barrett would not commit to accepting the results of the upcoming presidential election. Trump has not committed to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses and has said publicly that he has chosen a Supreme Court justice to back him up. Barrett declined to comment on that and other questions related to Trump or current political controversies, saying that as a judge she did not want to get dragged into the debate.
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) said he was afraid to ask her about the existence of gravity for fear that she would decline to recognize even that.
Sen.
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who chairs the committee, set Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. for the panel's vote on Barrett. Republicans have a majority, and unless some members do not attend because of illness, passage is guaranteed. Her nomination then moves to the full Senate, and the GOP has made clear it wants her approval before the Nov. 3 election.
Two Republican members of the Judiciary Committee tested positive for COVID-19after attending a Trump-hosted ceremony for Barrett at the White House on Sept. 26. But both Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina said their doctors declared them clear of the virus, and they attended this week's hearings.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sought to postpone Barrett's confirmation. "She has been rushed in a way that has been historically unprecedented," he said. "We've had inadequate time to review this nominee."
He noted that Barrett failed to disclose some of her writings and speaking engagements that revealed strongly held views. Already, with what has been disclosed, it is clear that Barrett personally opposes abortion. She would not comment, however, in the hearings on how she would rule on the issue.
Graham insisted there was "nothing out of the norm" in the speed with which the nomination process had taken place. And he reiterated his conviction that Barrett was fully qualified for the post.
The motion to put off Barrett's nomination lost along party lines 12-10.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, speaking to reporters in his home state of Kentucky, said the full Senate vote on the Barrett nomination would take place as early as Oct. 23, and he said the body would remain in session until it was finished.
"We have the votes," he said.