Friend --

Tod‌ay, I will vote "no" on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be a justice on the United States Supreme Court.

Because we are eight days out from an election (more than 57 million Americans have already voted). Because to‌day's vote crumbles precedent and principle, forcing half the chamber to go back on their word. Because this sham, illegitimate process was forced through instead of a desperately needed COVID-19 relief bill. Because Amy Coney Barrett was nominated for a singular purpose: to tear down the Affordable Care Act and the millions of Americans who would not have insurance without it. Because she would not affirm support for voting rights, a belief in climate change, or fundamental rights continually held up in the Supreme Court. Because she refused to recuse herself if the election results make their way to the Court -- actually, she refused to say really anything at all about everything. Because to‌day's Republican party believes that if they can do something, it's right to do it.

Because Justice Ginsburg gave us a more perfect union. Because Judge Barrett would not.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazer who fought to enshrine rights for millions of Americans, would have dissented. Inspired by her memory, I do, too.

We may have lost this battle -- an important one, but not the only one. What we must do now is flip the Senate. We need a Democratic majority to protect fundamental rights at the legislative level and to block extreme nominations like this one in the future.

Donate today, with just eight days left until Election Day, to the DSCC's Flip the Senate Fund.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Patrick Leahy
U.S. Senator