Barrett confirmed to U.S. Supreme Court 52-48; Arkansas Senators on board

In an expected partisan vote – and one of the most divided Supreme Court nomination votes – just one week before Election Day, the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination on Monday (Oct. 26).

The U.S. Senate, including both of Arkansas’ senators, voted for her nomination 52-48. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was the only Republican who sided with the Democratic minority in opposing her appointment to the lifetime seat.

President Donald Trump nominated Barrett, 48, for the position 31 days ago, just eight days after the September 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. U.S. Sens. John Boozman, R-Ark., and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., both voted to confirm Barrett’s nomination.

“Judge Barrett has demonstrated that she is eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. Her resume is impeccable. Her demeanor is calm and unshakeable. Perhaps most importantly, her understanding of the role shows she will be a fair-minded and thoughtful jurist who steers clear of legislating from the bench,” Boozman said.

“Judge Barrett has earned the trust and confidence of the Senate and the majority of the American people. I congratulate her on this honor and look forward to her tenure on the Supreme Court,” he added.

“Judge Barrett has earned the confidence of the United States Senate and the trust of the American people. Her confirmation is a triumph for the Constitution, the Supreme Court, and our nation,” Cotton said.

Democrats have called the push for Barrett’s nomination so close to a Presidential election hypocritical after Republicans stalled the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland during the final year of President Barack Obama’s term in 2016.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, suggested if his party becomes the majority, which is a possibility in the 2020 elections, there may be retribution.

“You may win this vote. And Amy Coney Barrett may become the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. But you will never get your credibility back. And the next time the American people give Democrats a majority in this chamber, you will have forfeited your right to tell us how to run that majority,” he said.

Barrett will be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at a White House ceremony on Monday night.