WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the United States Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court by a vote of 53-47 making history as the first Black woman and first public defender to serve on the nation’s high court.
She will replace Justice Stephen Breyer when he retires at the end of the term.
The U.S. Senate erupted in applause when the vote was announced after seven days and 20 hours of testimony from the federal judge.
She was with President Joe Biden when the vote was announced and he took a moment to take a selfie with her.
“Judge Jackson’s confirmation was a historic moment for our nation,” Biden said on Twitter. “We’ve taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her.”
The reaction was fast in New Hampshire with praise and congratulations.
Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington said she was delighted Senate Democrats and Republicans voted in bipartisan fashion to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson.
“Justice Jackson is uniquely and highly qualified for service on the Supreme Court. I admire her approach to the administration of law, and cannot wait to see her work in action,” Warmington said. “Our nation – and especially the State of New Hampshire – will benefit immensely from the experience that Justice Jackson brings to the bench. I am grateful for Senator Hassan and Senator Shaheen’s work in making her confirmation possible.”
Senators Shaheen and Hassan, both Democrats, voted with the bipartisan majority to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court.
NHDP Chair Ray Buckley said: “Despite Mitch McConnell’s obstructionist tactics, a bipartisan majority in the U.S. Senate confirmed the immensely qualified Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson has shown a deep respect for the law, and throughout the confirmation process, she proved that she is committed to upholding our Constitution and our freedoms.”
Clifton West Jr., founder of Black Lives Matter Seacoast, kept his comment brief.
“About damn time,” West said.
U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster said: “Government should look like the America it represents, and the Senate’s vote today to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as our nation’s first Black woman Supreme Court Justice reflects the tremendous progress our country has made.
“Judge Jackson’s record speaks for itself – an experienced jurist, she has the knowledge, background, and perspective to resolve some of the most pressing judicial questions of our time as a Supreme Court Associate Justice.”
Shaheen said, “Today is a historic day for America. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson brings a wealth of experience, integrity and expertise, as well as background as a public defender, all of which will make her an exceptional Supreme Court justice. Our courts should look like and reflect the people they serve, and this is a historic milestone to make our institutions more democratic.”
Shaheen submitted remarks for the record in support of the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, which can be viewed here.