Kaine Statement on the Nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement on President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court:

“A Supreme Court nomination is the most consequential appointment that the Senate ever considers. As I have with nominees in the past, I will carefully review Judge Kavanaugh’s character, legal decisions, and writing to determine whether he should be confirmed to this crucial position. There are critical issues at stake, and four in particular I’ll be focusing on: 

“Would Judge Kavanaugh respect rulings upholding the Affordable Care Act, which guarantees protections for Americans with preexisting conditions?

“As a longtime civil rights lawyer, I’m focused on whether Judge Kavanaugh would safeguard the civil rights of all Americans regardless of race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation and ensure that all are protected from discrimination.

“Would Judge Kavanaugh protect women’s freedom to make their own reproductive health care decisions?  

“And would Judge Kavanaugh be independent and willing to exercise appropriate checks against the Presidency, especially given this President’s alarming claims that he has the power to fire Special Counsel Mueller or pardon himself?  

“I’m encouraging Virginians to send me feedback on what they’re looking for in a Supreme Court justice, and I won’t make a final decision until I have met one-on-one with Judge Kavanaugh and observed his performance in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. It could have catastrophic consequences if Leader McConnell rushes to confirm a nominee. There should not be a vote until the American public has a chance to speak in November.”

Virginians can share their thoughts with Senator Kaine on the Supreme Court and the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh at www.kaine.senate.gov/supremecourt.