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National

Democratic and Republican lawmakers along with other leading political figures reacted to President Trump's Saturday afternoon nomination of federal appeals court Judge Amy Coney Barrett to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court.

What they're saying: "President Trump could not have made a better decision," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement. "Judge Amy Coney Barrett is an exceptionally impressive jurist and an exceedingly well-qualified nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States."

In speaking after Trump announced her as the nominee, Barrett said she will be "mindful" of those who came before her on the court if confirmed.

Democrats' uniform response to the nomination surrounded health care — and the argument that Barrett's confirmation could gut the Affordable Care Act and access to coverage.

Joe Biden: "Election Day is just weeks away, and millions of Americans are already voting because the stakes in this election could not be higher. They feel the urgency of this choice — an urgency made all the more acute by what’s at stake at the U.S. Supreme Court."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “For four years, President Trump has tried to crush the Affordable Care Act in the Congress and the Courts. This nomination threatens the destruction of life-saving protections for 135 million Americans with pre-existing conditions together with every other benefit and protection of the Affordable Care Act."

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.): “The devastating coronavirus pandemic has already killed more than 202,000 Americans, and sickened millions more, yet President Trump is fighting in the Supreme Court right now to strike down the only law guaranteeing Americans can access the health care they need."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer: "The American people should make no mistake — a vote by any Senator for Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a vote to strike down the Affordable Care Act and eliminate protections for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.): "No Supreme Court vacancy has been filled this close to a presidential election. The Senate should not consider any Supreme Court nominee until the American people have spoken in November and the next president has been inaugurated."

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham: "Judge Barrett is highly qualified in all the areas that matter – character, integrity, intellect, and judicial disposition ... We move forward on this nomination knowing that the President has picked a highly qualified individual who will serve our nation well on the highest court in the land."

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.): “President Trump made an excellent choice by nominating Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. There is no question that she is highly qualified, faithfully interprets the law as written, and will uphold the Constitution."

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah): "Amy Coney Barrett is a highly-respected jurist with distinguished legal and academic credentials. My constitutional role to provide advice and consent on a Supreme Court nomination is one of my most serious responsibilities as a senator."

Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.): "The American people elected a President and Senate majority who committed to nominating and confirming judges who follow the Constitution, uphold the law, and refuse to legislate from the bench."

Of note: Two Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), have stated that they will not meet with Barrett.

“The American people deserve a voice in this hugely consequential decision," Blumenthal said in a statement. “I refuse to treat this process as legitimate and will not meet with Judge Barrett."

What they're saying: Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court

Democrats' uniform response to the nomination is to point to the Affordable Care Act.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett in the Rose Garden of the White House on Sept. 26.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett in the Rose Garden of the White House on Sept. 26. Photo: Oliver Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Politics

Supreme Court

Politics & Policy

In speaking after President Trump announced her as the Supreme Court nominee to replaced Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Circuit Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett said on Saturday she will be "mindful" of those who came before her on the court if confirmed. 

What she's saying: Barrett touched on Ginsburg's legacy, as well as her own judicial philosophy and family values. "I love the United States and I love the United States Constitution," she said. "I'm truly humbled at the prospect of serving on the  Supreme Court."

Barrett praised Ginsburg, saying the late liberal justice "began her career at a time when women were not welcome in the legal profession. But she not only broke glass ceilings, she smashed them." 

"The flag of the United States is still flying at half staff in memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to mark the end of a great American life," Barrett said. 

It should be noted, however, the pair's philosophies could not be more different. 

If confirmed, Barrett would give conservatives a 6-3 majority on the court. At 48, the steadfast social conservative could push the court further to the right for decades to come.

Just days before her death, Ginsburg dictated this statement to her granddaughter: "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed," according to NPR.

Barrett said she shares the same principles as the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, for whom she once clerked. "His judicial philosophy is mine too, a justice must apply the law as written. Judges are not policymakers, and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold." 

Trump and Barrett heavily emphasized the mother of seven's qualifications and strong family values, both of which will be key themes during her confirmation fight. Trump also noted that if confirm, Barrett would be the first mother of school-age children to serve on Supreme Court. 

If confirmed, Barrett said, "I would not assume that role for the sake of those in my own circle" but for all Americans. "I will meet the challenge with both humility and courage."

"I have no illusions that the road ahead of me will be had easy for the short term or long haul. I never imagined that I would find myself this position. But I assure you that I will meet the challenge with both humility and courage."

"Members of the United States Senate, I look forward to working with you during the confirmation process. And I will do my very best to demonstrate that I am worthy of your support." 

What's next: Senate Judiciary Committee hearings for Barrett are tentatively scheduled to begin Oct. 12, two Senate sources familiar with the plans told Axios.

In a schedule that is subject to change: 

Opening statements are expected to begin Oct. 12.

The first round of questions will follow on Oct. 13.

A second round of questions and a closed session are tentatively set for Oct. 14.

Outside witnesses will present on Oct. 15.

Go deeper: Where Amy Coney Barrett stands on the biggest issues

Amy Coney Barrett: "Should I be confirmed, I will be mindful of who came before me"

RGB "not only broke glass ceilings, she smashed them," Trump's Supreme Court justice nominee said.

Trump introduces Amy Coney Barrett as nominee to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Trump introduces Amy Coney Barrett as nominee to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Photo: Olivier Douleiry/Getty Images

Amy Coney Barrett

Supreme Court Nominee Announcement-5 04 48 Pm - 5 06 21 Pm-2020-09-26

President Trump announced he's nominating federal appeals court Judge Amy Coney Barrett to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. 

Why it matters: She could give conservatives a 6-3 majority on the high court, and her nomination sets in motion a scramble among Senate Republicans to confirm her with 38 days before the election. Sen. Mitch McConnell appears to have the votes to confirm Barrett with the current majority.

What they're saying: "I stand before you today to fulfill one of my highest and most important duties under the United States Constitution: the nomination of a Supreme Court justice," Trump said Saturday.

He noted that Barrett will be first mother of school-age children to serve on Supreme Court.

"Amy Coney Barrett will decide cases based on the text of the constitution as written," Trump said. "As Amy has said, being a judge takes courage. You are not there to decide cases as you may prefer. You are there to do your duty and to follow the law wherever it practice take you. That is exactly what Judge Barrett will do on the U.S. Supreme court.”

Barrett said that if she is confirmed, she pledges "to respond the responsibilities to the best of my ability."

"I love the United States, and I love the United States Constitution. I'm truly humbled at the prospect of serving on the Supreme Court," she said.

"Judges are not policymakers, and they must be resolute in setting aside any policy views they might hold."

"If confirmed, I would not assume the role for the sake in my own circle or certainly not for my own sake. I would assume the role to serve you. I would discharge the judicial oath which requires me to administer justice without respect to persons."

The big picture: Barrett, a 48-year-old social conservative, could push the court further to the right for decades to come. 

In her academic writings, public appearances and decisions as a judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Barrett has staked out conservative positions on a host of issues, including the Affordable Care Act, gun control legislation and immigration, Axios' Sam Baker reports.

While she has not ruled directly on abortion, abortion-rights opponents have reason to believe she’s on their side based on her religious background and past public statements.

Barrett, a steadfast social conservative, could push the court further to the right for decades to come.

The Trump administration put in place restrictions on U.S. technology exports to China's biggest chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., the WSJ reported Saturday. 

Why it matters: The curbs are the latest restrictions issued by the Trump administration to limit China's efforts to compete in advanced technology, per WSJ. 

Details: According to a Commerce Department letter, reviewed by the WSJ and other media outlets, U.S. companies will need licenses to export goods to SMIC due to an "unacceptable risk" that the products may be used for Chinese military purposes. 

The letter, sent to U.S. firms on Friday, added that the controls will be in place “pending the U.S. government’s review of SMIC and its subsidiaries," per the Washington Post.  

The other side: A SMIC spokeswoman cited by WSJ said in an emailed statement that the company continues "to engage constructively and openly" with the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

“SMIC reiterates that it manufactures semiconductors and provides services solely for civilian and commercial end-users and end-uses. The Company has no relationship with the Chinese military and does not manufacture for any military end-users or end-uses,” the spokeswoman added. 

Go deeper: Chipmaker secures largest Chinese IPO in nearly a decade

U.S. puts export restrictions on China's top chipmaker

The Commerce Department says there's risk the products exported to SMIC may be used by China's military.

A logo hangs on the gate of the Beijing branch of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) on September 6, 2020 in Beijing, China

Business

China

World

Conflicts, policies and powers are intersecting and shaping the world. Breaking news and analysis of national security, foreign policy and global crises.

Top stories & latest news on the Federal Reserve, real-time data, plus the biggest shifts happening in the U.S. and global economy.

Economy

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

The world may be living through the last gasps of America First — or just getting a taste of what's to come.

Why it matters: President Trump's message at this week's virtual UN General Assembly was short and relatively simple: global institutions like the World Health Organization are weak and beholden to China; international agreements like the Iran deal or Paris climate accord are "one-sided"; and the U.S. has accomplished more by going its own way.

"I am proudly putting America first, just as you should be putting your countries first," he declared.

Between the lines: The "U.S.-led" system that's governed international relations for 75 years has been shaken by four years of Trump, and many existing agreements and institutions would not survive a second Trump term. 

The other side: Joe Biden has vowed to put the global order back together again. His view, expressed this week by his top foreign policy adviser Tony Blinken, is that “the world just doesn’t organize itself" and America remains the country best positioned to do the organizing.

Speaking on the "Intelligence Matters" podcast, Blinken added, “If Joe Biden’s elected on Nov. 3, I think a lot of people will see the last four years as an aberration."

French President Emmanuel Macron sounded a different tone in his long and impassioned UN address.

The current period of uncertainty, he warned, "is not a parenthesis that is opening and will then close."

"There will be no miracle cure to the destructuring of the modern order," Macron lamented. Later he added: "The world as it is today cannot come down to simple rivalry between China and the United States."

Photo illustration of Emmanuel Macron putting his fist together in front of a deconstructed French flag

Photo Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios. Getty Images photos: Thierry Monasse/Contributor

France and Germany convened a summit of 60 countries on Friday to debate the future of that global order, and Macron insisted in his speech that Europe's voice within it be forceful and independent from America's.

Yes, but: The world is in crisis now. The devastation wrought by the pandemic won't wait for an American election, let alone for a new global order to take shape. This year's General Assembly was another opportunity missed for any coherent global action on those fronts.

"I'm disappointed," Madeleine Albright, the former UN ambassador and secretary of state tells Axios. "Am I surprised? No."

"Given the kind of atmosphere that is out there by virtue of America's lack of interest — more than lack of interest, undermining — of an international system, it's hard."

"It felt like a 'sink or swim' UNGA where each powerful country was speaking for itself," David Miliband, CEO of the International Rescue Committee and a former U.K. foreign secretary, tells Axios.

"This notion that countries that are struggling are on their own, I thought, came through quite strongly this week."

The big picture: With the virus raging and America declining to step forward, the vulnerabilities of the global system have become glaringly apparent.

"The middle-sized powers have been preoccupied with their domestic situations, and obviously the big superpowers are fencing with each other," Miliband says.

Illustration of podium with microphone in front of deconstructed Chinese flag

Speaking shortly after Trump, China's Xi Jinping offered a stark contrast by claiming China would go carbon neutral by 2060, pledging additional funding for the WHO, and offering the chiding advice that "major countries should act like major countries."

Xi called for a "new type of international relations" that would ensure the "peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom shared by all of us."

Between the lines: That new system would presumably adapt itself to China's growing clout and define many of the values Xi lauded very differently.

What to watch: Albright contends that the U.S. can still project the kind of influence in global institutions that it did during her tenure in the 1990s, but "it requires a kind of diplomacy that is in many ways built on day-to-day relationships — putting ourselves in another country's shoes."

"Another four years of this, and it really is going to be increasingly difficult to persuade anybody that we are going to be dependable partners," she says.

"After a while, I think people will say, 'If you don't want to be a partner, then go do your thing and we'll do ours.'" 

Global vaccine push launches without U.S. or China

A hinge moment for America's role in the world

This year's General Assembly was another opportunity missed for coherent global action.

Photo illustration of President Donald Trump in front of a rearranged American flag showing disconnected stripes and random lone stars. 

Photo illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Getty Images photo: Saul Loeb/AFP

Axios

Saturday's top stories

What they're saying: Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court

Amy Coney Barrett: "Should I be confirmed, I will be mindful of who came before me"

Trump introduces Amy Coney Barrett as nominee to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg

U.S. puts export restrictions on China's top chipmaker

A hinge moment for America's role in the world

New York daily coronavirus cases top 1,000 for first time since June

U.S. reports over 55,000 new coronavirus cases

America on edge as unrest rises

The long-term pain of the mental health pandemic

Preview: "Axios on HBO" interviews Bob Woodward

Where Amy Coney Barrett stands on the biggest issues