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We have reached the nadir of lawless, reckless conduct by the Repub Senate leadership - which has relinquished any claim to integrity & responsibility in its zeal to rush through the confirmation process to fill the seat left open by the passing of #RBG. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/nomination-of-the-honorable-amy-coney-barrett-to-be-an-associate-justice-of-the-supreme-court-of-the-united-states
First, this nomination should never have moved forward. It is not only that we are in an election year. Or even just the staggering hypocrisy of Republicans’ refusal to abide by the rule they created in 2016 to deny even a hearing to Judge Garland. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/03/16/republicans-refuse-to-budge-following-garland-nomination-to-supreme-court/
We are in the middle of the general election with record numbers of voters voting early (as here in Illinois and Virginia) and by mail. The presidency and key Senate races hang in the balance.
As more than 210,000 Americans have died f COVID-19 with millions infected, the Senate, led by McConnell, has stalled passing a desperately-needed relief bill for ordinary Americans, for small businesses, for homeowners and for state election systems. https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-filibusters-legislation-elections-campaigns-3588901312dec9607b6cd22bc83029c2
And then came the Rose Garden announcement. A mask-less assemblage of Republican leaders sat close outdoors & mingled indoors at the WH. This included the nominee, her family, Senators, the AG, media personalities, etc. It has now been recognized as a “super-spreader” event.
President Trump, Kellyanne Conway (sitting behind the nominee’s children) & many others were diagnosed days later as COVID-19 positive. Among those who behaved irresponsibly at the event in defiance of CDC recommendations is Sen Mike Lee of Utah.
Sen Lee was diagnosed with COVID. He sits on the SJC. On Oct 2nd his SJC colleagues Sens Ben Sasse & Tom Tillis committed to quarantining for only 10 days-4 short of CDC recommendation for exposure so but just in time for the Oct 12th scheduled Barrett hearing.
But here’s Sen. Lee speaking forcefully, with great animation, and WITHOUT A MASK at a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee LAST THURSDAY, a day before his announcement that he is COVID positive. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mike-lee-covid-supreme-court-hearing-amy-coney-barrett_n_5f775beec5b6d4e948b523fb
Now the chair of the SJC insists that the hearing go forward on Oct 12th in defiance of established COVID infection guidelines, with cavalier disregard for the health of his colleagues, and in defiance of the will of most Americans. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/most-americans-want-to-wait-until-after-the-election-to-fill-the-supreme-court-vacancy/
This grotesque and dangerous determination to pursue power at all costs should not be normalized by the Democrats. If McConnell & Graham chose to behave in this thuggish manner they should do so without accommodation.
I would point out that the husband of Sen. Klobuchar (she sits on the SJC) was hospitalized with COVID earlier this year. She knows that this virus is not to be trifled with. Sen Hirono, who also sits on the SJC, is a recent cancer survivor & this uniquely vulnerable.
Finally I would be remiss if I did not point out that there are only 3 Black members of the U.S. Senate. Two -Kamala Harris and Cory Booker - sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Harris is the VP nominee.They should not imperil their lives or health for this power grab.
Judge Coney Barrett should not want to participate in this conduct.
