FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 22, 2020

Media Contact:

Sarah Garfinkel, West End Strategy Team
sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com, 202-765-4290

National Council of Jewish Women Appalled by Senate Judiciary Committee’s Rush to Seat Amy Coney Barrett

Jewish women decry lack of COVID relief in favor of a sham confirmation process for the highest court in the land

WASHINGTON — National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan released the following statement today in response to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to fill the vacancy on the US Supreme Court:

“The Senate has an obligation to prioritize the American people. With over 220,000 Americans dead from coronavirus and more than 30 million people without jobs, now is the time for the Senate to pass a comprehensive relief package that protects American lives — not rush a Supreme Court nominee who would take away our health care, putting more people at risk.

“It is the Senate’s role to advise and consent on judicial nominees, a process that should involve intense scrutiny for a lifetime position. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Lindsey Graham’s decision to break the rules not once but twice to ram through a vote on Judge Amy Coney Barrett completely undermines the legitimacy of our democratic process. A lifetime appointment on our highest court deserves time and attention, particularly as the country is still learning about Judge Barrett and her background.

“Indeed, Judge Barrett’s past statements and decisions regarding health care and abortion, gun safety, immigration, racial justice, and more warrant a full, thorough investigation. The Supreme Court is the people’s court, and the country deserves a justice who will shift our nation towards equality, ensuring the most vulnerable are considered in every decision. Based on her record, that is not Judge Barrett.

“The National Council of Jewish Women’s advocates and Courts Matter coalitions across the country will continue our decades-long fight to ensure fair, independent, and qualified judges who will protect the rights of all Americans. This is not over, and we will use every tool in our toolbox to contact senators as we work to advance and protect the rights of women, children, and families.”

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National Council of Jewish Women understands that good policy is key to protecting the lives of vulnerable women, children, and families. We are committed to thoroughly analyzing and advocating for policy that expands access to reproductive health, rights, and justice; expands access to the polls and voter education/turnout; and cultivates a fair, independent, and unbiased federal judiciary. Follow our groundbreaking work online on Twitter and Facebook at @NCJW.