WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court began Monday morning. Iowa’s Republican U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst gave opening remarks along with their colleagues before Senators asked questions of the nominee.

Grassley, former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke of her qualifications.

“Judge Barrett’s service reflects an exceptional intellect, paired with a deep commitment to the rule of law. She’s received praise across the legal profession and ideological spectrum. Former colleagues at Notre Dame describe Judge Barrett as ‘brilliant, industrious, gracious, and kind,’ and as ‘a person of utmost integrity, with an open mind and the even temperament that is prized in a judge,'” he said in part.

Watch his full remarks below:

Ernst called out Senate Democrats attacks.

“Women all over the world are painfully familiar with this strategy. We are all too often perceived and judged based on who somebody else needs or wants us to be, not on who we actually are. I cannot speak to those who would attempt to undermine your nomination, but, as a fellow woman, mom, Midwesterner, I see you for who you are and I’m glad the American people have the opportunity to get to know Amy Coney Barrett,” she said.

Watch her full remarks:

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