Oklahoma Lawmakers On The Confirmation Of Amy Coney Barrett

Judge Amy Coney Barret was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court Monday evening in a 52-48 vote by the Senate.

Read: Senate Votes To Confirm Amy Coney Barrett To Supreme Court

Soon after the confirmation Oklahoma lawmakers issued the following statements:

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement on his support for Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Judge Barrett was confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 52-48.

“I congratulate Judge Amy Coney Barrett and her family on her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court,” said Lankford. “Throughout her nomination process, Judge Barrett’s qualifications to serve on the Supreme Court were made abundantly clear. She received the American Bar Association’s highest rating and was unwavering in her commitment to the rule of law and role of the judiciary. I took the time to review her qualifications, understand her judicial philosophy, and learn more about who she is as an individual. Judge Barrett is a jurist, a scholar, a mother, a wife, a mentor, and a great example for young women and legal minds in our nation. She understands that there is no such thing as a Republican judge or a Democrat judge, but independent jurists who are separate from the political branches of our government. She is committed to being a fair justice who will uphold and follow the law, not her personal preference.

“After being nominated to the Supreme Court, Judge Barrett and her family faced unwarranted criticism about their faith and family structure. We are a nation that cherishes the free exercise of religion. Article VI of the Constitution makes it clear that no religious test is ever required to serve in any public office. The Senate vets nominees based on their qualifications and temperament, not on their sincerely held religious beliefs. As we move forward, I hope our nation and the Senate continue to honor Article VI and refrain from imposing a religious test on any nominee for any public office.

“Judge Barrett is active in her community and is a dedicated wife and mother to seven children. In her opening statements during her hearing, she shared that she is used to being in a group of nine: her family. As she begins this chapter in a new group of nine, I’m confident she will serve Americans well in our nation’s highest court.” 

Earlier today, Lankford spoke on the Senate floor to against Democrats’ smear campaign of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Last week, Lankford met with Judge Barrett to discuss religious liberty, anti-trust laws, and a variety of other issues. Lankford expressed support for President Trump’s nomination of Judge Barrett on September 26 after previously supporting her nomination to fill a vacancy on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in 2017. After the partisan attacks against Judge Barrett’s devout Catholic faith reignited in the media, Lankford spoke on the Senate floor on September 30 in support of Judge Barrett’s ability to practice her faith and serve as a highly qualified member of the Judicial Branch. Lankford also joined Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) to publish an op-ed on October 20 in support of Judge Barrett’s nomination.

Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) released the following statement after Judge Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed by the Senate to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. “Judge Barrett is exceptionally well-qualified and a great choice by President Trump to serve on the highest court in the land,” Mullin said. “She is dedicated to upholding the Constitution as written, not legislating from the bench, and protecting our fundamental rights. Congratulations to Judge Barrett on her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court.”

Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court tonight.

“I join millions of Americans in celebration tonight following the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett,” said Rep. Hern. “In a field of impressive and qualified people, Barrett stands out for her intelligence, strength of character, and spotless reputation – all while raising seven children. A strict constitutionalist, she has vowed to uphold our laws and protect our Constitution. She is entirely deserving of her new position on our highest court. Congratulations to the Barrett family!”

U.S. Senate Candidate Abby Broyles issued a statement following the vote of confirmation for Judge Amy Coney Barrett, voicing her dismay at the confirmation just days before the election.

"Jim Inhofe proved today to Oklahomans where his loyalties lie- not to the thousands of Oklahomans who depend on the Affordable Care Act to cover their preexisting conditions or the people of Oklahoma who voted to pass Medicaid expansion this summer, but with his cronies in Washington in the swamp. Oklahomans want a thoughtful Senator who will work for them, not against them. Words matter and Jim doesn’t keep his.”

Governor Stitt released a statement on Twitter following the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court.

"President Donald Trump has once again kept his promise to the American people by appointing a justice who will defend the Constitution. I would like to thank Sen [Inhofe] and Sen [Lankford] for voting on behalf of our state to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the #SCOTUS. Throughout the confirmation process, Judge Barrett has proven her character, professionalism and legal expertise. I look forward to seeing her serve our country and faithfully uphold the rule of law as the newest Supreme Court justice."

Attorney General of Oklahoma Mike Hunter released a comment on the Senate confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

“Justice Amy Coney Barrett has the intellect, temperament and credentials to serve on the nation’s highest court. She is a constitutional scholar who brings her brilliant legal mind and disciplined judicial philosophy to the court. Justice Barrett will safeguard the Constitution and uphold the rule of law. She has an unparalleled record of applying the law as written, which will distinguish her lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. I applaud the members of the U.S. Senate who voted to confirm her appointment.”

Barrett, a federal appeals court judge from Indiana, is expected to be seated swiftly, and begin hearing cases, the associated press reports.