Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
The biggest hurdle for JudgeKetanji Brown Jacksonis out of the way, after the 51-year-old attorney and jurist was confirmed for a seat on the Supreme Court Thursday. Now, it’s time to get to work.
Jackson will have to endure something of a limbo period before she takes her seat on the court until Justice Stephen Breyer — whom she will replace — steps down.
Breyer, whoannounced his plans to retire in January, is expected to remain on the court until the justices take theirsummer recessin late June or early July.
In the meantime, Jackson is expected to move forward with screening staffers and clerks. She has vowed to be a “neutral” presence on the court.
Fifty-three senators voted to approve Jackson for a seat on the court, while 47 voted against confirming her asKamala Harris— the first Black woman elected vice president of the U.S. — presided over the Senate proceedings.
In remarks delivered after her confirmation, Jackson acknowledged that history had taken place.
“I am feeling up to the task, primarily because I know that I am not alone,” Jackson, a Florida native whose parents attended segregated schools, said in a speech delivered in the White House Rose Garden. “I am standing on the shoulders of my own role models, generations of Americans who never had anything close to this kind of opportunity, but who got up every day and went to work believing in the promise of America.”
She continued: “My grandparents on both sides, who had only a grade school education but instilled in my parents the importance of learning. To my parents who went to racially segregated schools growing up and were the first in their families to have the chance to go to college.”
During his turn to question Jackson, Democratic Sen.Cory Bookerof New Jersey praised her for her for how she handled combative questions from some of his colleagues.
“You have earned this spot. You are worthy. You are a great American,” he said, as Jackson wiped her tears with a tissue.
“This country gets better and better and better,” Booker continued. “When that final vote happens, and you ascend onto the highest court in the land, I’m going to rejoice. And I’m going to tell you right now, the greatest country in the world, the United States of America, will be better because of you.”
source: people.com
