By Emily Drooby
On Wednesday Oct. 14, during Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s second day of questioning, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina sang her praises.
“This is history being made folks. This is the first time in American History that we’ve nominated a woman who’s unashamedly pro-life and embraces her faith without apology, and she’s going to the court,” he said.
The Republican senator called Barrett’s possible confirmation a breakthrough for conservative women.
“This hearing, to me, is an opportunity to not punch through a glass ceiling but a reinforced, concrete barrier around conservative women,” Graham added. “You’re going to shatter that barrier.”
After a rigorous first day of questioning and second day of the hearing, Barrett was back in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Republicans including Senator Ted Cruz out of Texas, are optimistic for her swift confirmation.
“The last three days of hearings have revealed very good news, they have revealed the news that Judge Barrett is going to be confirmed by this committee and by the full Senate,” he said.
Wednesday brought more questions about Judge Barrett’s Catholic faith and pro-life views.
Questions arose regarding Roe v. Wade, the Obergefell case legalizing same-sex marriage, religious freedom especially in schools and the Blaine Amendments, which restricts public funds from going to certain religious institutions.
Even while being pressed hard, Judge Barrett still refused to give concrete answers on how she would rule on certain cases, saying she has no agenda.
The Trump nominee did tell Senator Graham, who currently is trying to pass legislation that would make abortion at 20 weeks illegal, that she would consider his argument.
“All I ask is, will you listen to both sides of the argument if it gets to you?” he said.
“I will,” Judge Barrett responded.
While Democrats allude to a fear of Judge Barrett’s personal convictions affecting her decisions, Senator Mike Lee of Utah used his time to defend Judge Barrett, bringing up several cases where she ruled against the pro-life side.
“I have a hunch that this is because your record on the 7th Circuit actually shows that you’re able to set aside your personal convictions because that’s what you’ve done when they’ve conflicted with your duty under the rule of law,” said Senator Lee.
Overall Wednesday brought a lot fewer questions about Judge Barrett’s pro-life stance and Catholic faith than the day before, with the discussion mostly focused on the Affordable care act, presidential pardons and voting.
If confirmed, Judge Barrett will give conservatives a 6-3 majority on the high court.