On the second day of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearing, the Supreme Court nominee repeatedly emphasized judicial independence.
In response to questioning from Vermont Democrat Sen. Patrick Leahy, Barrett said she has not and will not pre-commit to President Trump or other officials on how she would rule in any given case. Democrats continually expressed concern on how Barrett would rule on the Affordable Care Act or in the event of a disputed election.
“I have had no conversation with the president or any of his staff on how I might rule in that case,” she said. “It would be a gross violation of judicial independence for me to make any such commitment or for me to be asked about that case and how I would rule. I also think it would be a complete violation of the independence of the judiciary for anyone to put a justice on the court as a means of obtaining a particular result.”
Texas Sen. John Cornyn then asked Barrett if she would be willing to “make a deal” with any individual or group that requires her to commit to ruling a specific way on the Supreme Court.
“No, Sen. Cornyn,” she said, “I’m not willing to make a deal. Not with the committee, not with the president, not with anyone. I’m independent.”
