Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, questioned experts with the American Bar Association about what he described as “public advocacy” March 24 on the final day of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
In critiquing the ABA’s work, he noted statements the association has issued related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, legislation in Florida about parental rights and providing legal services to migrants entering the United States. He asked if the ABA is a “public advocacy association.”
Ret. Judge Ann Claire Williams said the ABA appoints members to the standing committee, who then “stand alone.” Committee members only rate federal judicial nominees and “don’t have anything to do with the policies of the American Bar Association,” Williams said.
Thursday was the final day of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Jackson. After three days of testimony from Jackson and questions from senators, the committee heard from professional and personal witnesses who spoke to Jackson’s work and character.
Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden in February to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. After the hearings conclude, the committee will issue a recommendation in preparation for a full Senate vote. If confirmed, Jackson will be the first Black woman on the high court.
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