The Senate Judiciary Committee hearings regarding Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court have been proceeding apace. Earlier today, the Committee took the vote on sending the nomination to the full Senate. The Committee, comprised of 11 Democrats and 11 Republicans (reflecting the 50-50 Senate), voted along party lines, thus leaving things in a deadlock — the first since 1991 (ironically, regarding Clarence Thomas’s nomination, with Joe Biden as the Chair of the Committee).
That’s not the end of the story, however. Following the committee vote, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for a procedural vote of the full Senate (a discharge petition) to send the nomination to the floor. After a delay caused by flight issues for Senator Alex Padilla (D-California), the vote was held. The final vote was 53-47, with the three Republican senators who’ve indicated they would vote to confirm Judge Jackson’s nomination also voting in favor of sending it to the floor.
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Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced last week that she would support the nomination. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced her support Monday, ahead of the vote, as did Mitt Romney (R-Utah), as we reported earlier.
Thus far, no Democrats have indicated they would oppose the nomination. This sets up a formal confirmation vote later this week — likely Thursday or Friday. At this rate, Judge Jackson is expected to be confirmed with at least 53 votes.
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