Supreme Court

Senate confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court in historic vote

WASHINGTON – Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes first black woman elevated to the Supreme Court as Democrats take control Senate on Thursday confirmed President Joe Biden’s selection.

The final vote was 53 to 47, with all 50 Democratic caucus members supporting Jackson, along with Republicans Susan Collins, of Maine, Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska and Mitt Romney, in Utah. In a symbolic moment, Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman elected to her position, presided over the vote.

Jackson and Biden watch the vote together in the White House.

Image: US President Joe Biden watches the Senate vote on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the US Supreme Court, from the White House in Washington
US President Joe Biden stands with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as they watch the full US Senate vote on Jackson’s nomination to the US Supreme Court, from the Roosevelt Room at the White House on April 7 year 2022.Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

The vote means Jackson will take office at the end of the court’s current term – possibly in June or July – when Justice Stephen Breyer is expected to step down. Her appointment will not disrupt the current conservative balance of 6 to 3 in the Supreme Court.

“This is a great day, a joyful day, an inspirational day for the Senate, for the Supreme Court, and for the United States of America,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., said Thursday, calling Jackson “wonderful,” “beloved” and saying she “belongs to the Supreme Court.

“This is one of the great moments in American history,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has struggled unsuccessfully to win Jackson’s nomination in recent weeks.

“Today, the Senate plays a decisive role. In particular, most senators do not merely check background and basic legal qualifications but also consider judicial philosophy,” he said.

McConnell and other Republicans criticized Jackson, a judge of the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, DC, for not accepting “originalism,” a narrow framework of constitutional interpretation popular in the world. legislation and conservative activists. Some also accused her of issuing lenient sentences in child exploitation cases when she was a trial judge.

Ahead of Thursday’s vote, McConnell blamed Jackson for not denouncing “the crazy concept of court packing.” (Jackson declined to answer, saying the size of the court was a decision of Congress, not the judge, echoing a similar struggle by Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was endorsed by McConnell in 2012. 2020)

Collins and Murkowski last year voted to confirm Jackson to the U.S. Court of Appeals for power for the DC Circuit, the job she currently holds. Romney, who voted no last year, said his concerns were eased after a lengthy meeting with Jackson.

Romney dismissed criticism from other Republicans, saying Jackson’s judicial approach was “in the mainstream,” even if he didn’t expect to agree with all of the rulings. hers.

“She’s also a highly qualified, intelligent, capable person,” he said in an interview. “And I wish her the best.”

Jackson previously served as a district court judge of the United States, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2013. She previously served on the United States Sentencing Commission and was a public defender. In addition to racial diversity, the Biden White House has also sought diversity of expertise in judicial candidates — more public defender and civil rights attorneys, and fewer prosecutors and attorneys. more business lawyers.

The NAACP celebrated the vote, praising Jackson for overcoming “racist attacks” during the confirmation process.

“Today’s vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court has enormous consequences for our nation and for history. After weeks of racist attacks, misperceptions and stomach upsets, we can’t wait to finally call her Justice Jackson,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement. An announcement.

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Victory for Jackson, a favorite of progressives, focuses on the Georgia Senate passage in January 2021, when Democrats capture two Republican-held seats and secure control of the Senate. control the council with the thinnest possible majority. During the hearings, Senators Lindsey Graham, RS.C. indicated that Jackson would not make it through a Republican-controlled room.

Jackson’s vote was moved quickly after it became clear that she had a confirmed vote, with senators eager to leave town early for a long weekend before recess. lasts two weeks.

It’s a much-needed political victory for Biden, whose job approval ratings have dropped 40% recently. NBC News poll amid concerns about inflation and the cost of living. Democrats, who are facing tough political headwinds as they head into the 2022 midterm elections, hope the vote will ignite their voters.

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