Monday, July 9, 2018

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bob Menendez released the following statement on President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court:

“With Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination, it’s clear that President Trump stuck to the litmus test he laid out when he pledged to only choose Supreme Court nominees who believe that Roe v. Wade should be overturned and abortion be made illegal in this country.

“As a member of the United States Senate, I take my constitutional responsibility to advise and consent seriously, just as I take my responsibility to defend the interests and ideals of New Jersey families seriously. I cannot support a nominee culled from the rightwing wish lists of the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society.  We need a Justice who will follow the rule of law not the rule of Trump, especially when the future of reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, workers’ rights, and the civil rights of all Americans are on the line.

“We have arrived at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history because the Republican Majority brazenly orchestrated the theft of a Supreme Court seat in order tip the scales of justice against women and voters, consumers and patients, immigrants, and everyday workers for generations to come.

“Voters should have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Supreme Court this November, but we know that Republicans cannot afford to give them that chance. That’s why it will be up to Americans in every corner of this country to make their voices heard starting today and let every member of the Senate know that a vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh is a vote to make abortion illegal, end protections for patients with pre-existing conditions, and further rig our justice system in favor of rich and powerful corporate interests.”

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