[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 6, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2011-S2012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson

  Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I rise in support of Judge Ketanji Brown 
Jackson's confirmation to be an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court 
of the United States and look forward to proudly voting for her 
confirmation.
  There are few constitutional duties more important in my role as a 
U.S. Senator than providing the advice and consent on judicial 
nominations, and this is especially true for the Supreme Court.
  As we consider Judge Jackson's nomination before this body, we are on 
the cusp of a historic, barrier-breaking moment and on the verge of 
confirming the first African-American woman to serve on the Supreme 
Court.
  This is not only a significant milestone, but a moment to recognize 
Judge Jackson, who is one of our Nation's brightest legal minds and an 
incredibly impressive nominee.
  Before I talk about Judge Jackson's exceptional experience, her 
qualifications, and support from all across the legal spectrum, I think 
it is important to reflect on the critical importance of our Nation's 
highest Court.
  Without question, Supreme Court rulings have a direct and a 
consequential impact on the lives of Michiganders and all Americans. 
Issues before the Court include healthcare, women's reproductive 
rights, workers' rights, environmental protections, voting rights, and 
many life-or-death decisions that shape the law of the land.
  Simply put, the Supreme Court is often the last line of defense for 
everyday Americans and an important guardian of the Constitution 
itself.
  There is no question that a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court 
is a tremendous responsibility, and we must have qualified, committed 
Justices who will exercise judicial independence--follow the facts--and 
apply law and precedent fairly and impartially, without regard for 
their own personal views, partisanship, or politics.
  It is clear that on every single measure, Judge Jackson has the 
credentials, the qualities, the work ethic, and character needed to 
serve on the Supreme Court. And she will not only bring diversity but a 
unique life perspective and passion for the law that she developed at a 
very young age.
  Judge Jackson's interest in the law actually started as a 
preschooler, sitting next to her father while he studied cases for law 
school, while she worked on her coloring book.
  Despite being ambitious and a star student, growing up, Judge Jackson 
faced resistance. When Judge Jackson told her high school guidance 
counselor that she was interested in attending Harvard University, the 
counselor told her that maybe she should set her sights lower than 
that.
  Judge Jackson was not going to be deterred, and she credits her high 
school debate coach for introducing her to several colleges. And then 
she went on to graduate magna cum laude from Harvard as an 
undergraduate and cum laude from Harvard Law School.
  This was the beginning of Judge Jackson's distinguished legal career. 
She clerked for three Federal judges, including Supreme Court Justice 
Breyer, worked in private practice at prestigious law firms, and has 
served on the Federal bench on both the district court and the court of 
appeals, a position she was confirmed to just last year by bipartisan 
support by this very Senate.
  Judge Jackson's experience has also been shaped by representing 
everyday Americans and hearing their cases. She will be the first 
Justice who previously served as a Federal public defender, and the 
only Justice who has served as a member of the bipartisan U.S. 
Sentencing Commission. She will also bring considerable criminal law 
experience to the Court.
  Her breadth of experience, her record, and temperament were on full 
display during her Senate judiciary confirmation hearing. Over the 
course of 24 hours and more than 600 questions, Judge Jackson not only 
demonstrated why she is qualified to serve on the Supreme Court but 
also why she was unflappable, even when she faced outrageous--
absolutely outrageous--false attacks on her record during the committee 
hearings.
  During this process, Judge Jackson has not only earned bipartisan 
support for her confirmation but has the backing of diverse voices, 
including from the American Bar Association, which unanimously gave her 
its highest rating of ``well qualified.''
  Lawyers across the political spectrum, civil rights organization, law 
enforcement groups, and chambers of commerce have all offered not just 
support but glowing support for her nomination.
  Former George H. W. Bush's appointed Fourth Circuit Judge Michael 
Luttig called Judge Jackson ``eminently qualified'' and ``as highly 
credentialed and experienced in the law as any nominee in history.''
  Two dozen conservative and former Republican-appointed officials 
said:

       We are united in our view that she is exceptionally well-
     qualified, given her breadth of experience, her demonstrated 
     ability, and personal attributes of intellect and character. 
     We think that her confirmation on a consensus basis would 
     strengthen the court and the nation in important ways.

  And the International Association of Chiefs of Police said:

       During her time as judge, she has displayed her dedication 
     to ensuring that our communities are safe and that the 
     interest[s] of justice are served. [We believe that] Judge 
     Jackson's years of experience have shown [that] she has the 
     temperament and qualifications to serve as the next Associate 
     Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

  After my one-on-one meeting with Judge Jackson last week, I was 
convinced that she is extraordinarily qualified and prepared to serve 
on the Supreme Court, particularly at this challenging moment.
  This is, without question, a challenging time, not only for the 
Supreme

[[Page S2012]]

Court but also for our democracy, and it is clear that Judge Jackson 
has the extensive experience and qualifications and temperament and 
impartiality and fidelity to the law that will undoubtedly serve our 
Nation exceptionally well.
  I am proud to support Judge Jackson as our next Supreme Court 
Justice, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in making history.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.