The Senate Judiciary Committee hearings for President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court appointee began Monday and Judge Amy Coney Barrett faced questioning from lawmakers in both major parties. The 4 days of questioning are part of a warp-speed confirmation process for a Supreme Court nominee that is taking place even as voters are casting ballots in an election that has begun – an unprecedented combination of events in modern times. Among the most critical issues at stake are whether Barrett would rule on an election-related suit as a newly seated justice. In his opening statement on Monday Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “Your participation . . . in any case involving Donald Trump’s election would immediately do explosive enduring harm to the court’s legitimacy and to your own credibility. You must recuse yourself.” President Trump has repeatedly claimed that the election would end up in the Supreme Court. 

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of a future Supreme Court Justice Barrett would be whether she would vote to strike down the seminal abortion ruling Roe Vs. Wade. When asked by Senator Dianne Feinstein, Barrett refused to take a position.  While the hearing was being held Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan gave an interview to Elle Magazine sharing the story of how his ex-wife’s abortion saved her life. In a case where a pregnancy was wanted but became non-viable and threatened the life of the mother, the hospital in question said they recommended abortion but were prohibited from conducting one. Peters’ then wife had to be rushed to another hospital and survived because of the abortion. He becomes perhaps the first male lawmaker to openly share a story of abortion. Outside the Senate building where Barrett’s hearings are being held dueling protests took place by anti- and pro-abortion groups. 

Another major issue at stake that Democratic Senators have repeatedly raised during the hearings is the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare.” Like she has done on all other issues, when asked, Barrett would not say what position she would take on the healthcare law. Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse raised the so-called “dark money” forces behind Barrett’s nomination. Meanwhile the government watchdog group Accountable.us has just released a new report showing how Barrett has consistently sided with corporations during her time as a federal judge and ruled against workers, immigrants, and consumers. 

Republican Senators have not seen fit to debate or vote on desperately needed coronavirus economic relief bills and are racing through Barrett’s nomination only 4 years after denying President Obama the right to appoint an election year justice. GOP Senator Mike Lee, who just days ago tested positive for the coronavirus, appeared in person at the hearing and was not even wearing a mask to protect his colleagues from his viral-laden respiration. And President Trump resumed his public events despite being hospitalized fo...