Photo: Getty Images
Senate Confirmation hearings wrapped up Thursday (March 24) for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson.
The hearings kicked off Monday (March 21) with opening statements from Judge Jackson and two days of questioning from Judiciary Committee members. Republican Senators including Ted Cruz of Texas, South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, among others used the time to ask the judge questions about Critical Race Theory, her religion, and empathy on the bench.
"The last three days have been long, exhausting for senators ... much more so for Judge Jackson," Committee Chairman Dick Durbin said Thursday (March 24). "I believe that she carried herself with grace, humility and dignity, was thoughtful and forthright and her responses."
On Wednesday (March 23), Judge Jackson was brought to tears by Sen. Cory Booker who used his time to offer words of encouragement to the high court nominee.
In the final day of hearings, the American Bar Association explained their "well qualified" rating for Judge Jackson and the Committee heard outside witnesses' testimony on the nominee's record.
"Given the uniform strength of these and many other comments, the standing committee readily concluded that Judge Jackson demonstrates the exceptional professional competence expected of a Supreme Court justice and thus merits a well qualified rating," D. Jean Veta said, according to CNN.
What Happens Next
Now that confirmation hearings have wrapped up, the next phase of Jackson's nomination process begins. The committee will hold a meeting Monday (March 28) where Republicans will be able to hold her vote up to a week. According to CNN, the committee is set to meet April 4 to vote to move her nomination to the Senate Floor.
From there, the 100 US Senators and Vice President Kamala Harris will vote to confirm, or not, Judge Jackson as the next Supreme Court Justice.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to get a swift Floor vote, stating, "There is nothing in Judge Jackson's record suggesting the committee should have difficulty reporting her nomination out."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he will not be voting to confirm Judge Jackson, claiming that she didn't give enough answers in the 22 hours of questioning.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.