Oct 5, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Amy Coney Barrett's first confirmation hearing set for Oct. 12

Orion Rummler

Amy Coney Barett sits — Seventh U.S. Circuit Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett in the Capitol on Oct. 1. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

The Senate Judiciary Committee has officially scheduled Judge Amy Coney Barrett's first Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Oct. 12–15.

Why it matters: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Monday that the Senate is moving "full steam ahead" on the process to confirm Barrett before the election, despite three Republican senators testing positive for the coronavirus last week.

Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), both of whom sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee, tested positive after they attended a White House event for President Trump to formally introduce Barrett.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has also tested positive. He said Monday that he would wear a "moon suit" if that's what it took to vote on Barrett's confirmation in person. "Where there's a will, there's a way," Johnson said.

Between the lines: A committee aide told Axios that senators will have the option to participate virtually and that social distancing, sanitary and PPE stations, and other public health measures will be implemented.

Go deeper: Senate postpones floor activity, but not Amy Coney Barrett confirmation hearings

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Amy Coney Barrett's first confirmation hearing set for Oct. 12

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