Supreme Court nomination
published in the Republican October 2020
The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg left an empty seat in the Supreme Court. The President has nominated Amy Coney Barrett for the position. She is a former professor at Notre Dame Law School and is also a judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Many disability rights advocacy groups feel that she would be a threat to disability rights. These groups sent a letter to senators urging them to reject the nomination due to her record and the rush for confirmation. This letter was sent by more than fifty disability advocacy groups. Some of them are the National Council on Independent Living, the American Association of People With Disabilities, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and theAutistic Self Advocacy Network.
In the letter, the groups expressed concern that Amy Coney Barrett has written that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. Another concern is the threat to expanding health coverage and preexisting conditions. This is a major point because of the upcoming Supreme Court case regarding the Affordable Care Act.
The letter concludes that “It is imperative for the disability community be someone who understands and respects the rights of people with disabilities. Judge Barrett’s record demonstrates a hostility to rights that are critically important to people with disabilities.” All of the groups agree that a Supreme Court nomination should not take priority over the COVID-19 relief bill that can help many people, including those with disabilities.