Democrats Find a New Way to Try and Block SCOTUS Confirmation

As usual, the common phrase among Democrats: “Never let a good crisis go to waste”, is being played out in Washington. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, and anyone she has come in contact with, to isolate after potentially being exposed to COVID at the White House.

This call for self-isolation by Schumer would effect many Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who are planning to meet to vote to move the nomination of Barrett to a vote in the full Senate. This move could possibly derail Republicans’ efforts to hold quick confirmation hearings and a final vote before the election in November, which has been the goal of many top Democrats.

“The infection of the President, First Lady and a close aide require that the White House immediately conduct a contact tracing regime that follows CDC guidelines, as well as thorough testing and isolation for those who were exposed to infection risk. That includes Judge Amy Coney Barrett and anyone she was in contact with,” Schumer said in a statement.

Schumer also tweeted about the issue, saying that “If it’s too dangerous to have the Senate in session, it’s too dangerous for committee hearings to continue.”

The decision to recess the Senate for 2 weeks after at least 3 GOP Senators have tested positive for COVID makes clear that the Senate cannot proceed with business as usual

If it’s too dangerous to have the Senate in session, it's too dangerous for committee hearings to continue

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) October 3, 2020

Schumer seems to have forgotten that the Democrats had already called for many activities in the capitol to be conducted virtually. Republicans, including Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Lindsey Graham, have discussed utilizing these virtual capabilities to allow the hearings on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett to proceed as scheduled.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has postponed Senate floor activity until October 19th, but has also stated that committee work will continue, including the Judiciary Committee’s hearings on Barrett’s nomination.

NEWS: Mitch McConnell says all Senate floor activity is postponed to October 19.

He adds that committee work continues and Judiciary will still begin the Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court hearings on October 12 per Lindsey Graham's plans. pic.twitter.com/zFnmsMjM4J

— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) October 3, 2020

Senator John Barasso of Wyoming spoke on Fox News about the Senate hearings, saying that there will not be a delay, despite attempts by Schumer and other top Democrats.

There is not going to be a delay. The Senate will move forward with the hearings for Amy Coney Barrett. @SenSchumer is trying to do everything he can to block, stop, derail this nomination. pic.twitter.com/hsvZhPWg3B

— Sen. John Barrasso (@SenJohnBarrasso) October 3, 2020

Senator Lindsey Graham also tweeted about the issue, wishing President Trump and other Republicans infected with COVID a speedy recovery. Graham said in his tweet that Senator Mike Lee expects to be back at the Senate for the vote.

Like millions of Americans, I'm wishing @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS well regarding their COVID-19 infections. @SenMikeLee informed me today that he expects to be back at the @senjudiciary, fully engaged, by Oct. 12. I talked to Mike today – he's in good spirits and on the mend.

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 2, 2020

Talked to Senator Lee earlier today and wished him a speedy recovery.

Look forward to welcoming him back to the @senjudiciary to proceed with the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barret on October 12. https://t.co/OVm0OQbnQF

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 2, 2020