Moderate Democratic Senator Joe Manchin — known for his positions in contrast to the rest of his faction — confirmed Friday that he would support Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation in the Supreme Court.
With his pledged support, Jackson has the votes of all 50 Democrats in the Senate, guaranteeing his April 4 majority confirmation. Vice President Kamala Harris would cast the vote needed to break the 50/50 tie.
What did Joe Manchin say about Judge Jackson?
“After meeting with [Jackson]In light of his record and the close monitoring of his testimony and cross-examination before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, I have decided that I intend to vote for his nomination to the Supreme Court,” the congressman said.
- “Her wide range of experience in various sectors of our court system has provided Justice Jackson with a unique perspective that will serve her well at our nation’s highest court,” he added.
the week in brief
Jackson’s confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee were held Monday through Thursday this week. The bipartisan committee had an opportunity to question the judge about her legal philosophy, professional history, and other issues such as her handling of a child pornography case, critical racial theory, abortion, her religious beliefs, and the right to legal representation of Guantánamo detainees.
- At the end of the final day of questioning, Democratic Sen. Cory Booker — the only black senator on the Judiciary Committee — reflected on the significance of Jackson’s possible confirmation, reiterating that “she is worthy of the position” she was moved to in tears. . If confirmed, the judge would become the first African American woman to hold the position for life.
Will there be Republican support?
It is not yet known if there will be any Republican senators who will support Jackson’s confirmation in the US Supreme Court. Senate faction leader Mitch McConnell said this week he will vote no because he believes that the judge has fended off questions about her legal philosophy and has the support of groups advocating a “court occupation” (adding seats to the Supreme Court).
- According to Politico, there are 7 Republican Senators who could support Jackson in the final vote: Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Mitt Romney, Lindsey Graham, Roy Blunt, Rob Portman, and Richard Burr.
With information from Axios