Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court received a tie vote along party lines in the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to advance to the Senate floor for a final vote later this week. Judge Jackson, the first Black woman to be nominated to the High Court, endured racist and outlandish attacks from many Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee during her hearing last month and her nomination will be discharged from the committee after a tie vote between Democrats and Republicans -- yet another unprecedented and unwarranted move by Senate Republicans. No other Supreme Court nominee in modern times has needed a discharge petition to be advanced out of Committee.
A judge on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Jackson has already been confirmed by the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support three times. She will bring a range of experience to the Supreme Court, including having been a public defender and serving on the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
A poll released last week from the Marquette University Law School found two-thirds of the American people support Judge Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, the highest approval rating of any prospective justice in US history. The full Senate is expected to vote on her confirmation later this week.
In response, Dalal Aboulhosn, the Sierra Club’s Deputy Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Legal issued the following statement:
“The Sierra Club applauds Chair Durbin, Leader Schumer, and Senate Democrats for advancing Judge Jackson’s historic confirmation. Judge Jackson was nominated for this position because of her exemplary record and breadth of experience that will bring a new and desperately-needed perspective to the Supreme Court for the first time. And during her hearing last month, Judge Jackson showed the country exactly why she deserves this job -- in the face of egregious attacks, blatant racism, and even shouting, Judge Jackson remained poised and composed, gave thoughtful, even-handed answers, and was respectful of each Senator. Judge Jackson demonstrated the exact temperament and jurisprudence needed to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. The Sierra Club enthusiastically supports Judge Jackson’s nomination, and we call on the Senate to confirm her swiftly and without delay.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.