[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 5, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S1950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson

  Now, on another happy note, the Judge Jackson confirmation, last 
night we took our first steps here on the Senate floor toward 
confirming the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to 
the U.S. Supreme Court. By virtue of a motion to discharge, Judge 
Jackson's nomination was reported out of the Judiciary Committee--it 
really wasn't reported out of Judiciary.
  By virtue of a motion to discharge, Judge Jackson's nomination was 
put on the floor by a bipartisan vote of 53-47. She now comes to the 
floor for consideration by the whole Chamber. Every day we move closer 
to Judge Jackson's confirmation, the case and likelihood of her 
confirmation grows stronger and stronger and stronger. And I thank my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have approached this process 
with good faith. At the end of the day, it will be our courts and the 
American people who rely on our courts who will benefit most from 
having an amazing jurist like Judge Jackson elevated to the pinnacle of 
the Federal judiciary.
  Here is what happens next. Later today, I am going to take the next 
step for moving forward with Judge Jackson's nomination by filing 
cloture on her. My colleagues should be advised that we may have to 
take some procedural votes to do so, but this will not affect the 
ultimate result of this confirmation process.
  Once I file cloture, the stage will be set for the Senate to close 
debate on Judge Jackson's nomination by Thursday morning. A vote on 
final confirmation will then follow. The Senate could then vote to 
confirm Judge Jackson as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as soon as 
Thursday--as soon as this Thursday. I hope we can work together and 
make that happen.
  What better way to wrap up this work period--this productive, largely 
bipartisan work period--than by confirming this most worthy, most 
qualified, most historic nominee to the Supreme Court?
  Yesterday, I said something that I think is worth emphasizing all 
week long: Judge Jackson's nomination is a joyous and momentous 
occasion for the Senate. She is truly one of the most qualified and 
accomplished individuals ever considered by this Chamber to the Supreme 
Court. She will bring a new and much needed perspective to the Court's 
work, while also affirming the rule of law and respect for precedent.
  As I said yesterday, the confirmation of the Nation's first Black 
woman to the highest Court in the land will resonate for the rest of 
our Nation's history. Untold millions of kids will open textbooks and 
see pictures of Justice Jackson and understand in a new way what it 
means to move toward a more perfect Union. It means that all our 
Nation's struggles, for all the steps forward and steps backward, the 
long march of our democracy is toward greater opportunity and 
representation for all.
  So when the Senate finishes its work this week, Justice Jackson will 
be the first of many--the first of many. Her brilliance, her lifetime 
of hard work, her remarkable story will light a flame of inspiration 
for the next generation to hopefully chart their own path for serving 
our democracy and unleash so much talent that has thus far not been 
utilized. This gives me great hope. That should give all of us great 
hope.