Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised the country Wednesday that a new justice will be confirmed to the Supreme Court this fall, setting out an ambitious goal for himself to approve a key seat with the narrowest of majorities.
Democrats were already sounding obstructionist notes, however.
Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said the Senate should wait until after this year’s election, giving voters a chance to weigh in on some of the senators who will confirm the next pick.
“People all across American should realize their rights and opportunities are threatened,” Mr. Schumer said.
He said Republicans would be hypocritical if they tried to push for a vote now, after they delayed a vote on the last vacancy for more than a year to give voters a say in the 2016 presidential election.
Mr. Schumer also made clear he will make the vacancy an issue for voters, saying the fate of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision establishing a national right to an abortion, and perhaps future rulings on Obamacare, depend on the next nominee.
Mr. McConnell, though, said the Senate will move swiftly.
“The Senate stands ready to fulfill its constitutional role by offering advice and consent on President Trump’s nominee to fill this vacancy. We will vote to confirm Justice Kennedy’s successor this fall,” he said.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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