WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, both R-S.D., praised the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett as an associate justice to the United States Supreme Court Monday, citing her understanding of the role of a judge and her qualifications for the position.
Barrett was confirmed Monday by United States Senate.
“Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a person with extraordinary intelligence and comprehensive command of the law, and she is extraordinarily qualified to serve on the nation’s highest court,” Thune said in a statement. “Since the day she was nominated, Judge Barrett has proven that she understands the proper role of a judge in our system of government, which is to rule based on the law and the Constitution, not preferred outcomes or policy preferences. Judge Barrett said it herself – ‘I apply the law, I follow the law, [members of Congress] make the policy.’ That is the kind of justice that Judge Barrett will be, and that’s the kind of justice both Democrats and Republicans should want. I look forward to seeing her serve on the Supreme Court.”
Sen. Rounds also issued a statement approving of the confirmation Monday.
“Today is a great day for the rule of law and our Founders’ vision when carefully crafting the Constitution,” said Rounds. “Amy Coney Barrett is one of the most qualified nominees to be confirmed to the Supreme Court. She will be a fair and impartial judge who will apply the law as written, and not legislate from the bench.
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“The Senate’s constitutional role of ‘advice and consent’ when considering Supreme Court nominees is one of our most important duties – which I take very seriously. On behalf of all South Dakotans, it was an honor to cast my vote in support of Justice Barrett tonight.”
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., will administer the judicial oath to the Honorable Amy Coney Barrett, as the 103rd associate justice of the Supreme Court, in a private ceremony Oct. 27, in the East Conference Room at the Supreme Court. Upon administration of that oath, she will be able to begin to participate in the work of the Court, according to a press release from the United States Supreme Court.
A formal investiture ceremony will take place at a special sitting of the Court in the Courtroom at a later date.
