Durbin: When Judge Jackson's Hearing is Complete, America Will Understand what an Outstanding Justice She Will Be

WASHINGTON – Ahead of next week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke about Judge Jackson’s breadth of experience, character and temperament, and evenhandedness and impartiality.

“It’s going to be an historic moment on Monday, as Judge Jackson appears before the Committee.  Gaveling the hearing to order as Chair of the Committee will rank as one of the highest honors of my career in Congress,” Durbin said.  “Her qualifications are exceptional. In every role she’s held, she has earned a reputation for thoughtfulness, evenhandedness, and collegiality.  And just as impressive as Judge Jackson’s record is her character and temperament.  Humble, personable, she’s dedicated herself to making our legal system more understandable and more accessible for everyone who came in her courtroom.”

Durbin continued, “Finally, of course, there is the perspective that Judge Jackson will bring to the high court.  Over the course of its history, 115 justices have served on the Supreme Court.  If she’s confirmed, Judge Jackson will be the 116th. But she would be the first Supreme Court Justice who is the daughter of parents who felt the crushing oppression of segregation and the first Justice who has represented the indigent as a public defender.  Judge Jackson also comes from a law enforcement family, has a deep appreciation for the risk of police officers like her brother and uncles… Indeed, with Judge Jackson’s confirmation, the Supreme Court would come closer to fully reflecting the diversity of America.”

Durbin concluded, “When the hearing is complete, I believe the American public will be keenly aware of just what an outstanding nominee Judge Jackson is.  They’ll also get to see what I've seen in meeting with her personally.  She’s thoughtful, brilliant, kind, and has a good sense of humor… This could be an historic moment for America in the selection of this Justice.  I hope that the Senate Judiciary Committee rises to the occasion.  I have confidence that it will.”

Video of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s floor speech is available here for TV Stations.

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