U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-9) today commented on published reports that U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer will retire after 28 years on the High Court.

“The retirement of Stephen Breyer is a seminal moment in the life of our country,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Breyer must be replaced by a vigorous, forward-thinking jurist who will protect democracy, individual rights, and the freedom of the individual against big business. In just one year, President Biden has balanced our federal courts with the most diverse and progressive slate of judicial appointments our country has ever seen. He must continue that work with this appointment.

“Our judiciary stands at a perilous moment. Through decades of court-packing by Republicans, our federal courts are now stacked with hyper-partisan judges who are aiding and abetting Republicans’ dismantling of democracy. Most Americans do not know that despite Democrats winning seven of the last eight national elections, Democratic-appointed Justices have not held a Supreme Court majority since 1969. America’s courts are not unelected legislatures but must be neutral forums to preserve the rule of law at all costs. The next Supreme Court justice must be willing to shoulder that responsibility and balance the rightwing Roberts Court for the fights ahead.”