On the Radar
Senate GOP Forging Ahead with Confirmation Hearings
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) officially scheduled confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett to succeed the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court.
The first day of hearings, which will feature opening statements, will begin at 9:00am EDT on Monday, October 12th.
The hearings will be hybrid in nature, with senators able to ask their questions remotely if they prefer. For in-person attendees, there will be additional physical distancing on the dais, senators will be limited to one aide in the room, the nominee’s family will be given their own seating section, and press presence in the room will be far smaller than at past confirmation hearings.
The announcement comes after three Republican senators announced that they tested positive for coronavirus last week. Two of the three ― Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) ― are members of the Judiciary Committee, which considers Barrett’s nomination. Due to their illness, GOP leaders postponed floor votes until October 19th at the earliest, unless there is a deal reached on coronavirus relief legislation.
Should the Senate Judiciary Committee hold Barrett’s confirmation hearings next week?
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