After an initial glitch blocked the Judiciary Committee from seeing or clearly hearing Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, the California senator appeared on video to rip the Republican Party for taking up Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
Harris said the nomination should be postponed and that President Trump and Republicans are moving to jam Barrett’s confirmation though in time to swing a Supreme Court decision to overturn Obamacare. Harris said Barrett’s record suggests she’ll make other decisions that will take away rights.
“Every American must understand that, with this nomination, equal justice under law is at stake,” said Harris, who is a member of the Judiciary Committee. “Voting rights are at stake, workers’ rights are at stake, consumer rights are at stake, the right to a safe and legal abortion is at stake, and holding corporations accountable is at stake. And there’s so much more.”
Harris was among several senators to appear remotely. Harris cited the risk of the coronavirus for choosing to deliver her opening statement remotely.
Two Senate Republicans on the committee contracted the coronavirus less than two weeks ago. One of them, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, was cleared to return to the Senate and appeared in person. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina appeared remotely.
Harris did not question Barrett. Today’s hearing consisted solely of opening statements. Lawmakers will get a chance to interrogate Barrett on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Harris echoed the common themes for opposing Barrett that more senior Democrats on the committee presented earlier in the day. Like other senators, Harris displayed a photo of a constituent who has benefited from Obamacare, which will be legally tested before the high court beginning Nov. 10.
Harris said the GOP is “rushing” through Barrett’s nomination for a reason.
“They’re trying to get a justice onto the court in time to ensure that they can strip away the protections of the Affordable Care Act,” Harris said. “And if they succeed, it will result in millions of people losing access to healthcare at the worst possible time in the middle of a pandemic.”
Harris and other Democrats said the GOP should not be holding the hearings, in part because of the risk of spreading the coronavirus. But the panel has already held roughly 20 similarly hybrid remote hearings. Like other lawmakers in the past, Harris had to restart her testimony because she initially could not be seen and her voice came through with a significant echo.
Chairman Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, interrupted her to restart.
“Can you see me now?” Harris asked.
“Very loud and clear,” Graham finally responded when the glitch was resolved. “Congratulations on the ticket. I haven’t had a chance to tell you that.”
