The U.S. Senate Confirms Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court

The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday evening by a 52 to 48 partisan vote. All Senate Republicans voted yes on the nomination, with every Senate Democrat voting no.

Barrett, 48, replaces the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and gives the Republican-appointed justices a six to three majority.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, lauded the vote.

“Only 100 years ago, women in this country obtained the right to vote. And today, I was proud to vote to confirm another woman to our nation’s highest court. Throughout her academic and legal career, and in her personal life, Judge Amy Coney Barrett has proven to have the character, temperament, and experience Iowans, and all Americans, look for in a Supreme Court Justice,” she said in a released statement.

“Most importantly, Judge Barrett understands the importance of an independent Supreme Court—one that does not act as a ‘super-legislature’—but instead interprets the Constitution and applies the law as written,” Ernst said. “While Judge Barrett may not march in lockstep with the Left’s narrow definition of womanhood, she has withstood the bigoted attacks on her faith and family with grace and respect.”

“I am truly grateful to Judge Barrett, and her beautiful family, for her willingness to serve on the Court. Amy Coney Barrett has proven to young women across the world that a mom really can do anything – like serve as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court,” she added.

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, also responded to the vote in a statement:

“Judge Barrett has an impressive command of – and respect for – the law and the Constitution. She clearly respects precedent, and she practices judicial restraint. Her fair-minded and independent approach to the Judiciary demonstrates a humility and conviction that the role of a judge is to apply the law and Constitution as written; not to blur the separation of powers by legislating from the bench. These are exactly the qualities we should want in a Supreme Court justice. By any measure, Judge Barrett is eminently qualified and well suited for the post she will soon hold. I have every confidence that she will not only serve as an exceptional justice, but also as a role model for generations to come,” he said.

Conservative activists also applauded the confirmation:

“Today our nation gained a brilliant woman jurist on our highest court,” said SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. “Justice Barrett’s confirmation marks a turning point in the fight to protect unborn children and mothers. The American people can now see a glimmer of light at the end of a dark tunnel, when the Supreme Court may finally return to the people the ability to enact laws that reflect their values and save lives.

“This victory would not be possible without the unwavering leadership of President Trump, Leader McConnell, and our pro-life Senate majority. They have worked seamlessly to confirm three Supreme Court justices and 215 lower court judges. This legacy is on the ballot next week, as Democrats are hell-bent on expanding the Supreme Court and adding lower court judges if they win. We must re-elect President Trump and our Senate majority to preserve the Supreme Court and the integrity of the judiciary,” she added.

A poll sponsored by Susan B. Anthony List and conducted by The Marist Poll shows that nearly two in three voters (61 percent) – including 63 percent of independents and 31 percent of Democrats – oppose Joe Biden adding more justices to the Supreme Court if he is elected president.  

Alliance Defending Freedom President, CEO, and General Counsel Michael Farris congratulated Barrett on her confirmation.

“On behalf of Alliance Defending Freedom, I want to congratulate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the newest member of the U.S. Supreme Court and only the fifth female justice to serve on that bench. The American people count on our courts to apply the laws as written, not engage in judicial policymaking. In her confirmation process, Justice Barrett expressed a strong commitment to this important principle, and both conservatives and liberals described her as smart, honorable, and fair-minded. We are hopeful that she with other justices will uphold Americans’ fundamental freedoms, including free speech, religious freedom, parental rights, and the right to life from conception to natural death,” he said.

Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel for First Liberty Institute, also congratulated Barrett.

“America knows a good Supreme Court Justice when they see one and today the U.S. Senate confirmed one.  As she demonstrated during her confirmation hearing, few people are more qualified to fill a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court or are more deeply committed to the principles of the Constitution than Judge Barrett.  She is a stellar choice by the President.  Congratulations, Justice Barrett,” he said.

Dr. Grazie Christie, Policy Advisor for The Catholic Association, commended the confirmation vote.

“The confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett is great news for all Americans who prefer a fair and independent judiciary to an activist one. Judge Barrett has demonstrated that she will equally apply the law to everyone who comes before her and faithfully interpret the Constitution as written. Her profound knowledge of the law is only matched by her exemplary character. She is a role model for women and girls who aspire to reach the highest levels of accomplishment. Chairman Graham, Leader McConnell, and President Trump are to be commended for choosing and confirming such an excellent nominee,” she said.

Terry Schilling, executive director for American Principles Project, called the vote a victory for the American people and Constitution.

“Despite the best efforts of radical Democrats, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. This is a huge victory for the American people and for the American Constitution,” he said.

“President Trump has now appointed three Supreme Court justices and more than 200 originalist judges up and down the federal judiciary. This will be a key selling point to voters next Tuesday. Conservatives and all those who care about the Constitution view this record of judicial appointments as one of Trump’s greatest accomplishments,” Schilling added.

Update: Amy Coney Barrett has been sworn in by Justice Clarence Thomas as the next Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court during a ceremony at the White House.