AP Congressional Correspondent WASHINGTON (AP) – A deeply torn Senate is set to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Republicans are overpowering unified Democratic opposition to vote Monday on President Donald Trump’s nominee a week before Election Day.
On Sunday, the Senate voted 51-48 to begin to bring the process to a vote by launching the final 30 hours of Senate debate. Two Republicans, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, voted against advancing the nominee, and all Democrats who voted were opposed. California Sen. Kamala Harris, the vice presidential nominee, missed the vote while campaigning in Michigan.
Monday’s final tally was expected to grow by one after Murkowski announced her support for the nominee, even as she decried filling the seat in the midst of a heated race for the White House. Murkowski said Saturday she would vote against the procedural steps but ultimately join GOP colleagues in confirming Barrett.
“While I oppose the process that has led us to this point, I do not hold it against her,” Murkowski said.
Collins, who faces a tight reelection fight in Maine, remains the only Republican expected to vote against Trump’s nominee. “My vote does not reflect any conclusion that I have reached about Judge Barrett’s qualifications to serve,” Collins said. “I do not think it is fair nor consistent to have a Senate confirmation vote prior to the election.”
Democratic leaders want Vice President Mike Pence to stay away after his aides tested positive for COVID-19.
Pence’s tie-breaking vote is not expected to be needed. Pence has not said if he plans to preside, as is customary.
Democrats tell Pence it’s “not a risk worth taking.” With no real power to stop the vote,
Democrats argue the winner of the Nov. 3 election should choose the nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
