Letter to Hon. Richard J. Durbin, Chairman of U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Hon. Charles E. Grassley, Ranking Member of U.S. Senate Committee on Judiciary-Democratic Women's Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus Send Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in Support of Judge Jackson's Nomination to SCOTUS

Letter

Dear Chairman Durbin and Ranking Member Grassley:

As the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Democratic Women's Caucus, we write to reaffirm our strong and unwavering support for the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, and to ensure Judge Jackson receives a fair hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

We commend President Joe Biden for nominating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as the next Associate Justice on the Supreme Court - a historic decision that sends a powerful message that our nation's highest court must be informed by diverse perspectives representative of the United States. Judge Jackson, an exceptionally qualified judge with an unimpeachable character, will shatter yet another glass ceiling to become the first Black woman to serve on our nation's highest court.

Since the announcement of Judge Jackson's nomination, we have seen bad faith campaigns working to undermine her legitimacy and credentials. Like many women in public service-- especially women of color--Judge Jackson has been the subject of unfair attacks despite her resume that arguably matches or surpasses those of previous nominees. The attacks painting her as a "radical left" and "activist" judge fail to acknowledge her decades of service as an impartial upholder of the law. Judge Jackson would also be the first public defender to serve on the Supreme Court, and rather than praising her role in upholding a crucial tenet of our Constitution, attempts have been made to attack her role in ensuring everyone's right to legal counsel.

In the face of racist and sexist attacks, we will be vigilantly watching to ensure this confirmation process is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves. We call on the Committee's leadership to unequivocally stamp out any instances of dog whistle racism and misogyny during the hearings. We look forward to watching the swift confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

Sincerely,