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Live updates: Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation vote in Senate committee
West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin introduced final month that he plans to vote for President Biden’s Supreme Court docket nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, a transfer that each one however ensures she will probably be confirmed.
In an announcement outlining his resolution, Manchin mentioned, “I met with Decide Jackson and evaluated her {qualifications} to be a Supreme Court docket Justice. After assembly together with her, contemplating her file, and carefully monitoring her testimony and questioning earlier than the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, I’ve decided I intend to vote for her nomination to serve on the Supreme Court docket.”
Why this issues: Manchin’s announcement is notable since he’s a closely-watched average Democrat and key swing vote within the Senate. His resolution to vote “sure” helps solidify the vote math for Senate Democrats to verify the nominee.
Senate Democrats can verify Jackson to the Supreme Court docket with out Republican help if each member of their caucus votes in favor, which seems on observe to occur, and Vice President Kamala Harris breaks a tie.
Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer vowed in a flooring speech to convey the nomination to the Senate flooring “in brief order” as soon as the Senate Judiciary Committee advances the nomination. The Judiciary Committee is anticipated to vote right this moment on the nomination.
Jackson appeared earlier than the committee for high-profile affirmation hearings final month, which featured intense questioning by Senate Republicans.
Up to now, no Democrats have publicly signaled they’d vote towards the nominee, whilst Republicans have labored to unleash probably politically damaging assaults corresponding to accusations that Jackson is mushy on crime, a cost the nominee and plenty of Democrats have pushed again on.
Whereas Republicans have attacked the nominee’s file this week, Democrats have praised her credentials and expertise, describing her as exceptionally certified. Democrats have additionally persistently emphasised the historic nature of Jackson’s nomination. If confirmed, Jackson can be the primary Black lady to function a Supreme Court docket justice.