The U.S. Senate only moments ago confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s seat on the Supreme Court of the United States. Moments after Vice president Kamala Harris announced the Senate’s 53 to 47 votes to confirm the judge’s joining the SCOTUS, the senate floor erupted with jubilant cheers, while Republican opponents quietly left the floor.
Not surprisingly a number of Republican senators opted to snub Jackson as many were not even present for the vote, and those who have exited the senate floor in a display of contempt and disappointment for the confirmation. Sen. Rand Paul who cast the final “no” vote entered the senate chamber late in casual clothing, but just in time to voice his opposition to Judge Jackson’s confirmation. Se, Lindsey Graham, one of Jackson staunches opponents did not cast his vote from the floor as he did not bother to wear a tie and was not porperly attired for the vote.
Judge Jackson watched the confirmation vote at the White House with President Biden. The two embraced each other following Vice President Harris’ official announcement of the confirmation.
Republic legislators have throughout the process blatantly disrespected Jackson and the process which would bring the first black female justice to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I think it makes a very important statement about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said VP Harris following the landmark vote.
Opponents have accused the highly respected judge of having too much “empathy” when it comes to speaking people standing trial.
Judge Jackson defended how she speaks to people she sentences to prison, testifying in response to Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina on Wednesday (March 23): “My attempts to communicate directly with defendants is about public safety, because most of the people who are incarcerated –– via the federal system and even via the state system –– will be a part of our communities again.”
“And so it is to our entire benefit, as Congress has recognized to ensure that people who come out stop committing crimes,” Jackson added. She also noted that when handing down long sentences to people, she reiterates to them that she’s doing so because “I am imposing consequences for your decision, your decision to engage in criminal behavior.”
