Feinstein Statement on Kennedy Retirement

Washington—Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement in reaction to Justice Anthony Kennedy’s retirement:

“Justice Kennedy was a pivotal and important Supreme Court justice for many years. He respected the Constitution and was a dedicated public servant, and I wish him the best in retirement.

“We’re now four months away from an election to determine the party that will control the Senate. There should be no consideration of a Supreme Court nominee until the American people have a chance to weigh in. Leader McConnell set that standard in 2016 when he denied Judge Garland a hearing for nearly a year, and the Senate should follow the McConnell Standard.

“It’s important for Americans to remember what’s at stake with this vacancy. In recent years, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority has made profound changes to how our laws are interpreted. Despite assuring the Senate that it would follow precedent, the Roberts court has been chipping away at voting rights and workers’ rights, weakening the rights of immigrants, women and LGBT individuals, and diluting environmental protections.

“The Supreme Court has an effect on the lives of every single American, and the American people should have a say in who the next nominee will be.”

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