Barrett accepts nomination, says judges must be ‘resolute’ in setting aside personal beliefs

Amy Coney Barrett accepted the nomination to the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying in prepared remarks that judges should be “resolute” in setting aside their personal policy views.

The appeals court judge’s speech came immediately after President Trump announced his plans to nominate her to the vacancy left by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Barrett described her judicial philosophy as the same as the late Justice Antonin Scalia, for whom she clerked years ago. 

“A judge must apply the law as written. Judges are not policymakers and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold,” Barrett said. 

Barrett also paid tribute to Ginsburg, who died last Friday due to complications with pancreatic cancer. 

Barrett described Ginsburg as a trailblazer for women, noting that the late justice began her legal career at a time when women were not welcome into the profession. 

“I am truly humbled by the prospect of being on the Supreme Court. Should I be confirmed, I will be mindful of who came before me. the flag of the United States is still flying at half staff in memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to mark the end of a great American life,” Barrett said. 

“She not only broke glass ceilings, but she smashed them,” Barrett continued. “She was a woman of enormous talent and consequences and her life of public service serves as an example to us all.” 

Barrett also directly appealed to the American public, describing the Supreme Court as an “institution belongs to all of us.”

“If confirmed I would not assume that role for the sake of those in my own circle and certainly not for my own sake,” Barrett said.

“I would assume that role to serve you. I would discharge the judicial oath which requires me to administer justice without respect to persons, do equal right to the poor and rich, and faithfully and impartially discharge my duties under the United States Constitution.” 

Barrett’s remarks appeared to target Democrats who have expressed concerns about her conservative beliefs, particularly her stance against abortion, influencing her judging. 

Barrett’s nomination, which had been expected, sets up what promises to be a dramatic confirmation process less than 40 days before the November presidential election.

Democrats have urged Republicans to allow whoever wins the election to nominate the person to fill the vacancy, left by Ginsburg. Senate Republicans, however, are pushing forward with the nomination process. 

Barrett, a former Notre Dame law professor and current judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, is a favorite among conservatives and anti-abortion advocates. She is a devout Catholic and has seven children with her husband, Jesse, who joined her for Saturday’s ceremony. 

Updated 6:34 p.m. 

Barrett is expected to begin meeting with senators next week on Capitol Hill and is expected to start her confirmation hearings on Oct. 12.