Barrett Confirmation Hands Win to Trump, GOP on Eve of Election
- Jurist will cement a conservative majority on high court
- Democrats decry quick drive to fill seat, weigh retaliation
Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation by the Senate Monday night was a touchstone accomplishment for President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans that solidifies a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court just eight days before the U.S. election.
The Senate confirmed Barrett on a partisan 52-48 vote, and Justice Clarence Thomas administered the first of two required oaths to Barrett on the South Lawn of the White House a short time later with Trump looking on. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the second oath in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, letting Barrett begin work as a justice.
Barrett may be asked to weigh in on cases that would determine the outcome of a close election, and is expected to vote on whether the Affordable Care Act is constitutional soon after she joins the court.