After Meeting With Judge Barrett, Senators Came Away Impressed By Her ‘Stellar Credentials,’ ‘Unquestionable Knowledge Of The Law,’ And ‘Commitment To The Constitution,’ Finding Her To Be ‘An Inspiring Role Model As A Wife, Mother, Scholar And An Accomplished Jurist’
SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH McCONNELL (R-KY): “I think [the president] picked the single best person he could have picked anywhere in the country. This is a woman of extraordinary achievement. In her personal life, she’s got seven children, two of them adopted, one special needs. She and her husband are both professionals…. In addition to that, the Notre Dame law professor who was there when she was a student said she was the single best student he ever had. The president picked the stellar nominee…. Couldn’t have picked a better nomination. She will be confirmed to be on the court in the near future.” (WBKO-TV Bowling Green, KY, 10/07/2020)
SENATE MAJORITY WHIP JOHN THUNE (R-SD): “After meeting with Judge Barrett, I am confident that she has what it takes to be a phenomenal Supreme Court justice… Judge Barrett and I discussed her extensive experience and principled judicial philosophy, and it is going to be extremely difficult for anyone to argue she isn’t qualified. It is clear that she will be the kind of justice who respects the Constitution and will not legislate from the bench. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to interpreting the law as written and applying it faithfully and impartially. As I have said from the beginning of this process, one of the main reasons I ran for the Senate was for big moments like this one, and I look forward to voting for Judge Barrett to serve on our nation’s highest court.” (Sen. Thune, Press Release, 9/29/2020)
Indiana Senators: ‘Judge Barrett Is A Consummately Qualified Jurist Who Has Proven On And Off The Bench That She Has The Decency, The Intellectual Rigor, And The Fundamental Respect For Our Country And Its Constitution,’ ‘She Understands The Role Of A Judge Is To Interpret The Law As Written’
SEN. TODD YOUNG (R-IN): “I’m really proud to be here with Judge Amy Coney Barrett. She has stellar credentials, she has a proven record of originalism, and most importantly, I think she understands the role of a judge is to interpret the law as written and not to legislate from the bench. I and other Senators were elected in 2016 with a mandate to ensure that judges like this were put on the federal bench. We saw an expansion of the Republican Senate majority in 2018 with a similar mandate. Judge Barrett weathered a storm during her confirmation hearing for the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals with great poise and dignity. Unfortunately those hearings turned into an attack on her religious faith as opposed to fairly evaluating her legal credentials and her professional credentials and her temperament. But should she receive a fair evaluation, as I believe she will for a seat on the highest court in the land, I think everyone will understand that … Judge Amy Coney Barrett is the right person for the job.” (Sen. Young, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. MIKE BRAUN (R-IN): “Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Judge Barrett is a consummately qualified jurist who has proven on and off the bench that she has the decency, the intellectual rigor, and the fundamental respect for our country and its Constitution to serve honorably on the Supreme Court. Amy Coney Barrett’s sterling record as a Constitutional originalist demonstrates that she will be a phenomenal Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and I believe her reputation as an educator and a model for decency and citizenship will make Americans proud to have her on the highest court for many years to come.” (“Young, Braun Meet With Judge Barrett,” Pulaski Post, 9/30/2020)
Judiciary Committee Members: ‘Judge Barrett Made It Clear That Her Duty Is To Uphold The Constitution And Interpret The Law As Written,’ ‘Attorneys And Legal Experts Describe Her As The Finest Constitutional Scholar Of Her Generation,’ ‘She’s Done Everything Anybody Could Hope A Nominee For The Supreme Court Would Do In Their Life’
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman: “I think [Judge Barrett] is one of the most qualified people to ever be nominated to the Supreme Court. … The question for the country is, is [Judge Barrett] ready to be promoted? I think the answer is yes. I think she’s done everything anybody could hope a nominee for the Supreme Court would do in their life. … I think the American people are going to see over the coming days someone who is very capable of understanding the difference between personal beliefs – whatever they may have we all have personal beliefs – and that of being a judge.” (Sen. Graham, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. CHUCK GRASSLEY (R-IA), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “There’s been a lot of things said about [Judge Barrett] being a Catholic and how that could impact her decisions. She was very clear when she was before the Committee 3 years ago that her religion was personal and she was going to make decisions based on the facts of the case and the law…. [T]here’s a provisions in the U.S. Constitution that there can’t be a religious test for holding office in the United States. And so, consequently, all that stuff is out of order. But [Democrats] are still going to try it. Because they’re going to do anything they can to make her look like she’s a far-out person, as opposed to what she is: very well-studied, very knowledgeable about the law, very exact in how she applies the law to the case …” (Sen. Grassley, News Conference Call, 10/07/2020)
SEN. JONI ERNST (R-IA), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “Judge Barrett is a well-respected jurist, an accomplished legal scholar, and a mother to seven beautiful children. I am truly grateful for her example for all of us working moms, but especially for young women across this country. She has proven a mom really can do anything.… Today, Judge Barrett and I had a conversation around her judicial record and commitment to the Constitution. She deserves a fair and honest confirmation process, and I am committed to evaluating Judge Barrett on the basis of her qualifications and character.” (Sen. Ernst, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. MARSHA BLACKBURN (R-TN), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “After my conversation with Judge Amy Coney Barrett today, I understand why attorneys and legal experts describe her as the finest constitutional scholar of her generation. As a professor, she shared her love of the law with her students and shaped countless careers through patient instruction. As an attorney and judge, her diligent application of the law has contributed to a truly impressive body of work and a cohesive view of the judiciary’s role.” (Sen. Blackburn, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett and it’s clear her experience has provided her with an unquestionable knowledge of the law. Looking forward to getting to know her better as the Judiciary Committee begins a thorough review of her qualifications.” (Sen. Cornyn, @JohnCornyn, Twitter, 9/30/2020)
SEN. MIKE LEE (R-UT), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman: “I was remarkably impressed by Judge Barrett. My meeting with her was fantastic. She is a judge, a legal scholar, a lawyer, and a jurist with outstanding credentials. We had a great conversation and I am very much looking forward to speaking with her more during her confirmation hearing.” (Sen. Lee, Press Release, 9/29/2020)
SEN. TED CRUZ (R-TX), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “It was a terrific pleasure to have the chance to sit down and visit with Judge Barrett. She has impeccable credentials – she graduated number one in her class at Notre Dame Law School, she clerked for the great Justice Antonin Scalia [and] she’s been a law professor at Notre Dame for 20 years. She’s one of the most respected federal appellate judges in the country, and somehow she manages to do all that while being a mom to seven kids … much less everything else that Judge Barrett manages to do at the same time. I think the president’s decision to nominate Judge Barrett may well have been the most important decision of his presidency. In making this nomination, the president was fulfilling the promise he made to the American people. Likewise, I expect that the Senate will confirm Judge Barrett and do so by the end of [next] month. And when the Senate does so, we will be honoring the promise we made to the American people – to confirm principled constitutionalists to the Supreme Court.” (Sen. Cruz, Press Release, 9/29/2020)
SEN. BEN SASSE (R-NE), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “Judge Barrett is a brilliant jurist and an unsurpassed nominee. Political hacks have worked hard to attack her faith in an effort to belittle her accomplishments, but that strategy isn’t just despicable – it’s dumb. Senator Hirono should put down her ‘the end is near’ sign and have a thoughtful conversation with Judge Barrett. The left’s apocalyptic rhetoric will seem extra nutty when Americans hear from Judge Barrett at her confirmation hearings.” (Sen. Sasse, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. JOSH HAWLEY (R-MO), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “I enjoyed meeting with Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett today to discuss her judicial philosophy…. I urge all of my Democrat colleagues to publicly reject attacks on her faith and abstain from anti-Catholic, anti-Christian vitriol in the hearings to come. President Trump made a strong pick and I look forward to hearing more from her during the confirmation process in our committee.” (Sen. Hawley, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. THOM TILLIS (R-NC), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “I had a great meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett, which reaffirmed what a supremely qualified nominee she is, and why I look forward to getting her confirmed… Judge Barrett made it clear that her duty is to uphold the Constitution and interpret the law as written, and not to legislate personal political beliefs from the bench. Judge Barrett is exactly the kind of fair-minded and impartial justice North Carolinians expect and deserve to have on the Supreme Court.” (Sen. Tillis, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. MIKE CRAPO (R-ID), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “I had a great meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett today to discuss her fitness for the Supreme Court… Her legal acumen, commitment to the Constitution and scholarly experience are exemplary. Judge Barrett is conscientious in her application of jurisprudential principles. She is preeminently qualified and has assured me she will interpret the law as it is written.” (Sen. Crapo, Press Release, 9/29/2020)
SEN. JOHN KENNEDY (R-LA), Senate Judiciary Committee Member: “Judge Amy Coney Barrett is an impressive, thoughtful jurist with great respect for the Constitution. I’m thankful for the opportunity to speak with Judge Barrett today, and I look forward to hearing from her in the approaching committee hearings.” (Sen. Kennedy, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
Republican Senators: Judge Barrett ‘Is Without A Doubt A Well-Qualified, Thoughtful Nominee, Who Is Committed To Upholding The Law And Applying It Fairly’ ‘She Has An Outstanding Record Of Accomplishment Both On The Bench And As A Law Professor,’ ‘Her Impeccable Record, Combined With Her Strong Character And Work Ethic, Has Earned Her Bipartisan Praise From The Legal Community’
SEN. BILL CASSIDY (R-LA): “Amy Coney Barrett is an exceptional lawyer and judge who will make a terrific Supreme Court justice. I chock that up to her Louisiana upbringing. She has a deep appreciation of the Constitution and will interpret our laws fairly. She will serve our country well.” (Sen. Cassidy, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO (R-WV): “Judge Barrett has a strong record of commitment to the rule of law and carefully considering the text and history of the Constitution. When Judge Barrett was first nominated by President Trump, she expressed her view that judges are not policy makers. I couldn’t agree with this more. Judge Barrett’s record backs this up and she reiterated this to me today during our meeting. It’s personally gratifying to me that we have a nominee before us who is a strong, female jurist and a working mother who is able to successfully balance her life. Judge Barrett is exactly the kind of role model our daughters and our granddaughters need. Ultimately, the most important factors in my decision to confirm a Supreme Court nominee are whether the nominee is well-qualified, has a record of applying the original text of our Constitution, and has the support of my fellow West Virginians. While we are still in the beginning of the confirmation process, Judge Barrett meets the criteria. She’s a fair-minded individual that understands and respects the responsibilities of a Supreme Court justice, and I look forward to watching her confirmation hearings in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I implore my colleagues—and really the rest of the nation—to consider this: while Judge Barrett has traveled a journey that not many of us have had the chance to do, we should use this as an opportunity to inspire that next generation and we should be proud of the fact that we have an accomplished woman to consider to serve on our nation’s highest court.” (Sen. Capito, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. TOM COTTON (R-AR): “My meeting with Judge Barrett confirmed she is a brilliant legal mind and highly qualified nominee for the Supreme Court. I urge my Democratic colleagues to set politics aside and approach this nomination with an open mind so Judge Barrett receives the overwhelming confirmation vote she deserves.” (Sen. Cotton, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. KEVIN CRAMER (R-ND): “It was an honor to sit down with President Trump’s outstanding choice for the Supreme Court and discuss her judicial philosophy, especially when it comes to cooperative federalism and the proper role of states. Judge Barrett is an accomplished jurist with an impressive legal mind. I am grateful she answered the call to serve, even as the left continues its overly aggressive and inappropriate attacks on her, her faith, and her family.” (Sen. Cramer, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. STEVE DAINES (R-MT): “Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a brilliant jurist and a minivan mom… she is the kind of jurist that Montanans will look up to, someone they’d want on the Supreme Court… During our meeting, we talked extensively about our Founding Fathers’ vision for the Second Amendment as an individual right to bear arms and what that means for our Montana way of life…. I believe Judge Barrett will be faithful to the Constitution, and she has my full support to become our next Supreme Court Justice.” (Sen. Daines, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. DEB FISCHER (R-NE): “Judge Barrett is an extraordinary individual and a distinguished jurist. At our meeting today, she said her judicial philosophy is to stick to the text of the Constitution. She follows the law where it leads no matter where it lands. It is inspiring to have such a strong and accomplished woman before the Senate.” (Sen. Fischer, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. CORY GARDNER (R-CO): “Judge Amy Coney Barrett and I had a productive meeting where we discussed the proper role of the Judiciary, her record as a federal appellate judge, and her extensive academic work… I am confident that Judge Barrett is a highly qualified jurist who has thought deeply about the Constitution, the role of precedent in judicial interpretation, and the importance of judges following the law as written rather than legislating from the bench.” (Sen. Gardner, Press Release, 9/29/2020)
SEN. JOHN HOEVEN (R-ND): “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Judge Barrett to discuss her experience as well as her judicial philosophy. She has an outstanding record of accomplishment both on the bench and as a law professor at Notre Dame Law School. Throughout her career, Judge Barrett has shown a deep respect for the Constitution, as well as a strong commitment to upholding the law, rather than legislating from the bench. This is the judicial philosophy that I believe is best for our state and nation. After meeting with Judge Barrett, I believe she will be a strong, fair and impartial justice and I look forward to supporting her nomination.” (Sen. Hoeven, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. CINDY HYDE-SMITH (R-MS): “It was an honor to meet with Judge Amy Coney Barrett personally and to touch base on her background and judicial philosophy. Judge Barrett has a brilliant legal mind. She is a true Constitutionalist and I certainly trust her judgement and ability to interpret the law fairly and apply it accordingly. This amazing wife and mother has a servant’s heart. I am confident the Senate will confirm Judge Barrett after a review of her qualifications and background. She will bring a unique and important perspective to the court and will be an amazing addition to the court. I certainly pray for her and her family during this process.” (Sen. Hyde-Smith, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. KELLY LOEFFLER (R-GA): “It was an honor to meet with Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Our discussion reaffirmed my commitment to supporting her consequential nomination to the United States Supreme Court… It is clear to me that Judge Barrett is an originalist with deep reverence for the Constitution whose record makes it evident that she will apply the law as it was written. She’s also an inspiring role model as a wife, mother, scholar and an accomplished jurist. Georgians expect the Senate to do our job to fill the seat, but, sadly, the Democrats started their smear campaign and procedural games before she was even formally nominated. The truth of the matter is that Judge Barrett is exceptionally well-qualified and her commitment to upholding the Constitution is indisputable. President Trump could not have made a better nomination than Judge Barrett.” (Sen. Loeffler, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. JERRY MORAN (R-KS): “After meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett, I have an appreciation for her principled judicial philosophy and her views on the Constitution. During our meeting, we discussed how she has developed her judicial philosophy, her balance of work and family life, and the importance of carrying out the law as written. She has risen to the pinnacle of her profession while also raising a young family and being an admired professor. She is without a doubt a well-qualified, thoughtful nominee, who is committed to upholding the law and applying it fairly. I look forward to Judge Barrett further demonstrating her judicial views as the confirmation process continues.” (Sen. Moran, Press Release, 10/1/2020)
SEN. DAVID PERDUE (R-GA): “Judge Amy Coney Barrett will be an exceptional Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court… Her impeccable record, combined with her strong character and work ethic, has earned her bipartisan praise from the legal community. Judge Barrett’s opinions have been fair, impartial, and guided by the law as written. Senate Democrats have already made brazen attempts to smear Judge Barrett’s good name and engage in baseless personal attacks. As we move forward with the confirmation process, I urge my Democrat colleagues to treat Judge Barrett with the respect she deserves. Let’s not forget, Judge Barrett was previously confirmed by this body with bipartisan support, and she once again has my strongest support.” (Sen. Perdue, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. ROB PORTMAN (R-OH): “By all accounts, Judge Barrett is highly qualified for this job, both as a law professor at Notre Dame, where three times she won the Distinguished Teaching Award, and in her record as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Judge Barrett has been highly regarded for her work in the legal world by folks across the spectrum, across a wide variety of political philosophies and legal philosophies…. But I think maybe even more impressive than her qualifications is her personal story. Judge Barrett earned a full ride to Notre Dame Law School, graduating top in her class. She clerked for the Supreme Court. She built an extraordinary career in the private sector and law, and she also has raised seven children, two adopted from Haiti. Frankly, I think she’s a great role model for working parents everywhere. So I believe Judge Barrett is a good pick for this important role and I commend the president on nominating her. I hope the Senate and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will give her a fair and thorough evaluation as a nominee.” (Sen. Portman, Press Release, 10/08/2020)
SEN. JIM RISCH (R-ID): “Judge Barrett’s credentials are impressive and her legal acumen was evident in my discussion with her. Judge Barrett’s respect for and defense of the U.S. Constitution makes her an exceptional nominee to serve as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court.” (Sen. Risch, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. MITT ROMNEY (R-UT): “I enjoyed meeting Judge Barrett, and we had an informative, wide-ranging discussion about her impressive background and her judicial philosophy. I look forward to her upcoming testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.” (Sen. Romney, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL): “She’s highly qualified. No one disputes that. She’ll have her hearing…. And assuming everything is the way I expect it to be with her given what I know about her and have known about her for the better part of three years, I anticipate that she is going to be confirmed in the Senate …” (The Hugh Hewitt Show, 10/06/2020)
SEN. RICK SCOTT (R-FL): “I was honored to meet with Judge Amy Coney Barrett today to hear more about her judicial philosophy, and I fully support her nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Amy Coney Barrett has a distinguished record of service to our nation, respects the separate roles of our three branches of government and will apply and follow the law as-written, not legislate from the bench. She is highly qualified, and I look forward to the Senate moving swiftly to confirm her to the U.S. Supreme Court.” (Sen. Scott, Press Release, 9/29/2020)
SEN. TIM SCOTT (R-SC): “Confirming a Supreme Court nominee is one of the most important responsibilities of the United States Senate. It is vital to the future of this nation to have fair and honest judges on the bench to ensure that the scales of justice are balanced for all Americans… After reviewing her record and meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett today, I am certain that she is devoted to our core American principles and will serve as a fantastic addition to the Supreme Court. I look forward to supporting her nomination to the nation’s highest court.” (Sen. Scott, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. RICHARD SHELBY (R-AL): “After speaking with Judge Barrett, I am confident that she is the right choice to serve on the Supreme Court… Judge Barrett is exceptionally qualified for this role and maintains strong conservative values and a deep commitment to our Constitution. I have no doubt that Judge Amy Coney Barrett will be an excellent addition to the Supreme Court. I look forward to supporting Judge Barrett’s nomination to serve on our nation’s highest court, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.” (Sen. Shelby, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. DAN SULLIVAN (R-AK): “I just came out of a meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s nominee to be on the U.S. Supreme Court. It was a really productive meeting—almost forty-five minutes with her. We covered many topics. She’s clearly a thoughtful and intelligent jurist with many credentials to her name. Some of the topics we covered right at the outset: the role of a judge on the federal judiciary…It’s the role of a judge to interpret the law, not to legislate from the bench. I think she was in full agreement on that. … I think she came away with a sense of just how important and unique many of the federal laws that come before the U. S. Supreme Court relate to Alaska, and that was my goal today.” (Sen. Sullivan, Press Release, 9/30/2020)
SEN. ROGER WICKER (R-MS): “Judge Amy Coney Barrett is exceptionally qualified to be our nation’s newest Supreme Court Justice. Our meeting confirmed to me why so many of her former colleagues and students have praised her nomination. Judge Barrett was gracious, warm, and sharp, and she expressed a deep love for our country and our Constitution. I look forward to supporting her through the Senate’s confirmation process.” (Sen. Wicker, Press Release, 10/1/2020)