Confirmation Hearings for Amy Coney Barrett Begin Today with Opening Statements

This morning marked the beginning of the Senate hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Proceedings began at 9 a.m. and with just 22 days left until the election, Republicans are still adamant about pushing this Supreme Court confirmation through with unprecedented speed. Each member of the Senate Judiciary Committee is able to give a ten minute-long opening statement and the day is expected to close with an opening statement from Barrett herself. She can expect to be most scrutinized these next few weeks over her stances on health care, Roe V. Wade, the Second Amendment, voting rights and more. Democrats will also have to walk a thin line between questioning the impacts of her faith on her rulings without seeming like they’re attacking her religion. This hearing could prove to be especially bitter and divided as the left continues attempts to try to delay any way they can. It’s the closest hearing to an election ever witnessed in American history. Not to mention the fact that part of the hearings will be remote after at least two committee members tested positive for Covid-19.