Donald Trump declares ‘momentous day’ as Amy Coney Barrett sworn in as judge for US Supreme Court
United States President Donald Trump has declared it a “momentous day for America” following the swearing in of Amy Coney Barrett as a Supreme Court Judge.
“It is highly fitting that Judge Amy Coney Barrett fills the seat of a true pioneer for women, just as Ruth Bader Ginsberg,” Mr Trump said.
“Barrett is not only the second women to serve on our Nation’s highest court but the very first mother of school-aged children to become a Supreme Court justice. Very important.
“Throughout the entire confirmation her impeccable credentials were unchallenged.”
Senate Republicans voted to confirm Mr Trump’s Supreme Court nominee today just five days ahead of the US election on November 3.
“It is a privilege to be asked to serve my country in this office and I stand here tonight truly honoured and humbled,” Ms Barrett said.
“Thanks also to the Senate giving its consent to my appointment. I am grateful for the confidence you have expressed in me and I pledge to you and to the American people that I will discharge my duties to the very best of my ability.
“This was a rigorous confirmation process and I thank all of you, especially leader McConnell and chairman Graham for helping me to navigate it.”
The vote marks a major victory for the president and his party that could push the high court in a more conservative direction for generations to come.
The stakes in the Supreme Court battle are immense and come at a pivotal time in American politics in the run up to an election in which control of Congress and the White House are on the line.
Mr Trump’s appointment of a new Supreme Court justice marks the third of his tenure in office, giving Republicans a historic opportunity to deliver on the key conservative priority and campaign promise of transforming the federal courts through lifetime appointments.
Mr Trump is expected to swear-in Ms Barrett at the White House in an outdoor ceremony later Monday night, a source familiar with the invitation tells CNN.
Ms Barrett, who is 48 years old, is likely to serve on the court for decades and will give conservatives a six-three majority on the Supreme Court, a shift in its makeup that could have dramatic implications for a range of issues that could come before it, including the future of the Affordable Care Act and any potential disputes regarding the 2020 election.
Senate Republicans, who hold a majority in the chamber, pushed ahead with one of the quickest nomination proceedings in modern times following the death of the late Justice and liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg last month.
They moved to confirm Ms Barrett over the objections of Democrats who have argued that the process has been a rushed and cynical power grab that threatens to undermine Ginsburg’s legacy.
“By any objective standard, Judge Barrett deserves to be confirmed to the Supreme Court. The American people agree. In just a few minutes, she’ll be on the Supreme Court,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said ahead of the final confirmation vote.
Justice Clarence Thomas will administer the official Constitutional Oath to Ms Barrett at the White House, a senior White House official told CNN.
The confirmation battle has played out in a bitterly-divided Senate, but the outcome has not been in question for much of the fight.
With few exceptions, Senate Republicans quickly lined up in support of Ms Barrett after her nomination by President Trump, while Democrats united in opposition.
– This article is reported with CNN
