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Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing is Underway

Amid coronavirus concerns and political pushback, the Senate Judiciary Committee is moving forward with its confirmation hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

What’s the Pushback Been Up to this Point?

In a previous Breakdown, we explained some of the political controversy around Judge Coney Barrett’s nomination, but a lot of the more recent challenges are regarding the coronavirus -- namely, what steps should be taken to keep senators safe throughout the hearings.

On the heels of the Rose Garden ceremony held for Judge Coney Barrett that became a "superspreader" event for COVID-19, Senate Democrats had called for the confirmation hearing to be postponed, but it was ultimately moved forward. Some Senators opted to join remotely, though they’ll need to present in person for the final vote.

At least one lawmaker who tested positive for the virus has been present at the confirmation hearing, going so far as to speak before the room without a mask.

What Happens During a Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing?

Basically, senators get a chance to ask the Supreme Court nominee questions about themselves and their background to determine whether they’re fit to take on the role. Usually, this means trying to find out what their stance will be on crucial issues that are likely to appear before them on the Supreme Court -- things like reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and gun control.

How Has Judge Coney Barrett Been Responding to the Committee’s Questions?

For the most part, she’s reiterated that she has made “no commitment” on how she’ll rule on key issues, saying specifically that she is “not on a mission to destroy the Affordable Care Act” and that she doesn’t consider the landmark Roe v. Wade case as a super-precedent (one that cannot be overturned).

While her answers during the hearing remain vague on most topics, advocates warn that Judge Coney Barrett’s record could spell trouble for LGBTQ rights, civil rights, and women’s rights.

What Happens Next?

After the four days of hearings (we’re currently on day 3), the panel may add additional days of hearings if something comes up during the process that needs more attention. After that, the committee will hold for a week before voting on Judge Coney Barrett’s nomination. Finally, the full Senate will debate and vote on it, requiring only a simple majority for it to go through.

Why aren’t more people talking about… how an executive order from President Trump is restricting federal employers and contractors from holding effective anti-racist trainings? (Trainings are flagged for including phrases like “unconscious bias,” “systemic racism,” or “white privilege.”)

Pop culture shock… K-pop group BTS sold 993,000 tickets to their virtual concert this past weekend.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria… protesters are calling for an end to a governmental police squad known for brutalizing youth.

My hero today is… Nadeen Ashraf, the 22-year-old behind Egypt’s growing #MeToo movement.

This week in Black joy… a young woman’s happy dance after being hired goes viral.

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