The expedited nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court is one that has prompted much concern in the disability community. On October 5, more than 50 other national, state, and local disability advocacy organizations, including CPR, sent a letter to Senate leadership and Senate Judiciary committee leadership in opposition to the nomination of Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court to fill the seat left open by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. And on October 12, the first day of confirmation hearings, the disability community hosted a call-in day to oppose her nomination.
Even if you weren’t able to participate in the call-in day, it’s not too late. We urge everyone to please contact your Senators. Now’s the time to make our voices heard!
As with any other judicial nominee, we must consider Judge Barrett’s record and hers raises significant concerns for issues important to the disability community, including healthcare and disability rights, in cases that she would be hearing if confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. Her record shows she supports overturning the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its critical protections for people with disabilities and other pre-existing conditions and supports the public charge rule that discriminates against people with disabilities.
CPR, together with other disability advocacy organizations, has filed briefs in these cases: describing how ending the ACA would devastate people with disabilities in the case in the Supreme Court challenging the ACA, and arguing that the public charge rule violates federal disability discrimination laws in multiple cases, including two the Trump Administration has appealed to the Supreme Court.
Despite her concerning record, Judge Barrett’s nomination process has been extraordinarily rushed. A nomination that, if confirmed, would result in a lifetime appointment, should be considered carefully and given appropriate scrutiny. The speed with which this process has moved is a disservice to the institution of the Supreme Court and is particularly concerning given the Senate’s inability to pass desperately need coronavirus relief during a pandemic that has killed over 200,000 people in the US.
Please take a moment to contact your Senators now! Information on contacting your Senators and a call script are included below.