Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed and sworn into the Supreme Court on Monday, Oct 26. Just eight days ahead of election day.
The Senate confirmed her to the Supreme Court with a 52-48 vote. No democratic senators voted in favor of her becoming a justice, and only one repulican senator voted against her. Maine’s Senator Susan Collins was the lone republican vote against. Collins offered no public comment on why she voted against her republican peers. Her vote came as a surprise to many, especially because she voted yes for Justice Kavanuagh in 2018.
Barrett is the fifth woman to ever be confirmed to the Supreme Court and is the third female justice serving currently. She takes the place of Ruth Bader Ginsburg who passed last month from cancer.
Barrett’s confirmation leaves republicans with a 6-3 majority in the court. This has caused a lot of fear within the Democratic Party, despite the claims she made following being sworn in. Barrett stated that she will separate herself from any political party while serving on the court.
Barrett, being only 48 year old, will likely serve on the court for decades. This could drastically change the outcomes of cases for many years to come.
Barrett was sworn in by fellow Justice Clarence Thomas outside of the White House. Barrett took the constitutional oath, like every other federal employee, except the president.
The constitutional oath is, “I, _________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
Barrett begins her time on the Supreme Court with historic cases dealing with the 2020 election. The way she votes on issues such as counting absentee ballots received after Nov 3 could change the outcome of the election.
