President Donald Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace the late Associate Justice Bader Ginsburg. On the first day of her hearing confirmation which started on Monday, Amy boldly proclaimed in her opening statement the “power of prayer”.
Amy Coney Barrett
Barrett during the hearing confirmation
Amy, 48-years-old, is a mother of seven children. She serves as a circuit judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. When the seat opened for the Associate Justice, Trump personally picked and presented her.
As a woman deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, she has made no secret of her beliefs on issues such as abortion. And although the American Bar’s Association has rated her “well qualified” after evaluating her for the seat, critics question her validity. They claim Amy’s faith and her relationship with faith-based organizations may affect her rulings. But many have come to her defense saying faith should be of no issue.
During the first day of the hearing confirmation, Amy sat patiently for five hours as senators gave their remarks for the potential Associate Justice. Finally, when it was her time to speak, she introduced herself and the virtues she lives by.
Barrett’s opening statement
Barrett’s family with Trump and the First Lady
In her opening statement, she highlighted the importance of family. She thanked her family members present in support of her nomination. She also remembered Justice Scalia whom she clerked for in her early career. Justice Scalia influenced her positively, to be devoted to the family, resolute in beliefs, and fearless of criticism.
“In every case, I have carefully considered the arguments presented by the parties,” she said. “[I] discussed the issues with my colleagues on the court, and done my utmost to reach the result required by the law, whatever my own preferences might be.”
She explained that she makes her decision in the court “fairly reasoned and grounded in the law”. “I ask myself how would I view the decision if one of my children was the party I was ruling against,” she said. “Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law? That is the standard I set for myself in every case. And it is the standard I will follow as long as I am a judge on any court.”
Lastly, she humbly honors the position she was called for and pledges to fulfill the duties faithfully and impartially. “I believe in the power of prayer,” she declared. “And it has been uplifting to hear that so many people are praying for me. I look forward to answering the Committee’s questions over the coming days.”