What comes next?
The committee's tie vote today adds a step in the process of confirming Judge Jackson, but does not substantially change the situation or the upcoming schedule of events. There are now three full Senate votes between Judge Jackson and the Supreme Court seat.
Because of the Judiciary Committee's tie vote, a majority of senators must first issue a discharge petition to formally move the nomination from committee to the floor. Judge Jackson is the first Supreme Court nominee to require this step in 169 years.
The full senate will then consider the issue of cloture. Cloture is a procedural process that limits debate on the nomination before a final vote. After a majority of the Senate does vote to invoke cloture, which could happen as soon as tomorrow, Senators will have up to 30 hours to debate Judge Jackson’s nomination before a final vote. With the Easter recess looming, we expect a final vote by Saturday at the very latest.
We at Alliance for Justice are tracking floor speeches for and against the nominee, senators’ official announcements on which way they will vote, and more. Be sure you’re following us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest all week.
Our resources on Judge Jackson’s career and rulings are exhaustive. Our fact sheet, official letter in support of this nomination, and testimonials from supporters across the legal profession are all available here.
