A coronavirus outbreak that infected President Donald Trump and spread to the Senate threw a fresh element of uncertainty Friday into the politically fraught fight over installing Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court before Election Day, as Republicans vowed to press ahead and Democrats insisted on a pause.

Pulling off a complex confirmation that touches all three branches of government in the four weeks remaining before the election always promised to be a daunting task for Republicans in the middle of a pandemic. But by Friday evening, with the White House and Congress in turmoil and two Republican members of the Judiciary Committee, Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, among those announcing they had tested positive for the virus, it was clear that the challenge had grown steeper.

Top Republicans insisted they would move ahead at an uncommonly swift pace to hold hearings on Barrett’s nomination by Oct. 12, send her nomination to the full Senate by Oct. 22 and confirm her as soon as Oct. 26, eight days before Election Day — even if it meant breaking Senate norms and considering a lifetime judicial nomination by videoconference.

But the latest outbreak raised the possibility that Republicans could lose their slim majority in the Judiciary Committee or on the Senate floor.

It gave Democrats, who were already objecting to Trump’s push to install a new Supreme Court justice so close to the election, a new reason to call for a delay. Seeing a potential opening, top Democrats called for the Senate to pause and assess the scope of the outbreak.

They declared that a fully virtual hearing for a candidate for a lifetime appointment to the nation’s highest court would be unacceptable.

“It’s critical that Chairman Graham put the health of senators, the nominee and staff first — and ensure a full and fair hearing that is not rushed, not truncated and not virtual,” Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, and Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said in a joint statement. “Otherwise, this already illegitimate process will become a dangerous one.”

On Friday evening, after Tillis announced his positive test result, Schumer renewed his call for delay, writing on Twitter that going forward with hearings would be “irresponsible and dangerous.”

“There is absolutely no good reason to do so,” he said.

But Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chair of the panel, vowed he would stick to his schedule, and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the majority leader, said he intended to move the nomination as soon as the committee approved it.

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“Just finished a great phone call with @POTUS,” McConnell wrote on Twitter on Friday. “He’s in good spirits and we talked business — especially how impressed Senators are with the qualifications of Judge Barrett. Full steam ahead with the fair, thorough, timely process that the nominee, the Court, &amp;amp; the country deserve.”

Republican officials said they had no doubt that senators would find a way to muscle through the nomination over Democrats’ protests.

But Republicans cannot afford to have many members sidelined by illness, which could provide Democrats an opportunity to stall the proceedings. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have already raised objections to moving ahead before the election, reducing the wiggle room in the 53-47 Republican majority.

McConnell has insisted throughout the pandemic that the Senate continue to meet in person, but he conceded Friday that keeping Republican senators healthy was crucial to the fate of the nomination.

“I think every precaution needs to be taken because we don’t anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or the full Senate, and therefore everybody needs to be in an all-hands-on-deck mindset,” he said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

The posturing around the court fight played out as government officials at the White House and on Capitol Hill spent Friday racing to trace those who had come in contact with known carriers of the virus to determine how far it had spread.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-having-trouble-breathing-at-hospital-report-332269">Trump having 'trouble breathing' at hospital: Report</a>

Trump was in proximity to Barrett when he announced her nomination in the Rose Garden a week ago at a well-attended celebration where few masks or other precautions were evident.

At least two other high-profile attendees, the Rev. John Jenkins, the president of the University of Notre Dame, and Kellyanne Conway, a former White House counselor, said Friday that they had also tested positive.

Lee and Tillis were among at least eight Republican senators present at the White House event, where some guests also gathered indoors and where video captured Lee hugging other attendees without a mask. Tillis wore a mask.

Both men are on the Judiciary Committee and met with Barrett on Capitol Hill this week indoors, without masks, as did more than a dozen others. Tillis’ office released a photograph of the senator and the nominee bumping elbows.

Both senators said they felt fine but would isolate for 10 days, placing them on track to reemerge on the day Graham intends to begin Barrett’s hearing.

Other lawmakers who had been in proximity to Trump or his aides said they were getting tested. Among them were Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.; and Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who all announced they had tested negative.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/even-the-white-houses-testing-regime-couldnt-stop-coronavirus-332226">Even the White House’s testing regime couldn’t stop coronavirus</a>

Republican members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, who flew with the president on Air Force One from Washington to a campaign rally in Duluth, also said they were being tested.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, flew to the presidential debate in Cleveland on Tuesday on Air Force One with the president and Hope Hicks, a close aide to Trump who tested positive Thursday. Jordan announced Friday that he had tested negative.

Concerns about the outbreak appeared to lead to a change in Congress’s much-maligned approach to testing the thousands of people who stream in and out of the Capitol complex each week, many of them flying in from around the country.

The Office of the Attending Physician informed lawmakers Friday that same-day testing would now be offered in the Capitol to lawmakers who showed possible coronavirus symptoms or had been exposed to someone who had tested positive. Staff members who came into contact with someone who tested positive could also get tests, the office said.

The announcement came after Schumer had expressed deepened anxiety about the health outlook in the Capitol after Trump’s positive test.

“This episode demonstrates that the Senate needs a testing and contact-tracing program for senators, staff and all who work in the Capitol complex,” Schumer said. “We simply cannot allow the administration’s cavalier attitude to adversely affect this branch of government.

It is imperative that all results be made public in order to contain a possible outbreak and so we can determine the need for senators and staff to quarantine or self-isolate.”

Fresh fears about the spread of the virus only stiffened resistance to Barrett’s nomination among Democrats, who were already outraged that Republicans were racing to confirm a Supreme Court justice so close to the election after having blocked President Barack Obama from filling a vacancy nine months before Election Day in 2016.

But with Trump’s reelection in doubt and their party in danger of losing its Senate majority, Republicans are even more eager to confirm the nominee quickly.

They have insisted they are justified in moving ahead with the nomination because Trump was elected in 2016 and Republicans gained seats in the Senate in 2018, an argument that would be undercut by losses in November.

Some Republican advisers were pushing to scrap plans to keep the Senate in session next week, hoping to reduce the risk of more Republican senators becoming infected.

But adjourning may not be in McConnell’s control. He had been in favor of allowing senators to go home, but Democrats trying to inflict pain on Republicans for their rush to fill the Supreme Court seat refused to go along, using parliamentary tactics to prevent it.

As for Barrett, two officials with knowledge of her medical history said that she had already had the coronavirus and recovered this year, potentially providing some immunity for her. But it was not yet clear whether she would continue her courtesy meetings with senators in person next week.

She tested negative for the virus Friday, officials said.

A coronavirus outbreak that infected President Donald Trump and spread to the Senate threw a fresh element of uncertainty Friday into the politically fraught fight over installing Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court before Election Day, as Republicans vowed to press ahead and Democrats insisted on a pause.

A coronavirus outbreak that infected President Donald Trump and spread to the Senate threw a fresh element of uncertainty Friday into the politically fraught fight over installing Judge Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court before Election Day, as Republicans vowed to press ahead and Democrats insisted on a pause. Pulling off a complex confirmation that touches all three branches of government in the four weeks remaining before the election always promised to be a daunting task for Republicans in the middle of a pandemic. But by Friday evening, with the White House and Congress in turmoil and two Republican members of the Judiciary Committee, Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, among those announcing they had tested positive for the virus, it was clear that the challenge had grown steeper. Top Republicans insisted they would move ahead at an uncommonly swift pace to hold hearings on Barrett’s nomination by Oct. 12, send her nomination to the full Senate by Oct. 22 and confirm her as soon as Oct. 26, eight days before Election Day — even if it meant breaking Senate norms and considering a lifetime judicial nomination by videoconference. But the latest outbreak raised the possibility that Republicans could lose their slim majority in the Judiciary Committee or on the Senate floor. It gave Democrats, who were already objecting to Trump’s push to install a new Supreme Court justice so close to the election, a new reason to call for a delay. Seeing a potential opening, top Democrats called for the Senate to pause and assess the scope of the outbreak. They declared that a fully virtual hearing for a candidate for a lifetime appointment to the nation’s highest court would be unacceptable. “It’s critical that Chairman Graham put the health of senators, the nominee and staff first — and ensure a full and fair hearing that is not rushed, not truncated and not virtual,” Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, and Dianne Feinstein of California, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said in a joint statement. “Otherwise, this already illegitimate process will become a dangerous one.” On Friday evening, after Tillis announced his positive test result, Schumer renewed his call for delay, writing on Twitter that going forward with hearings would be “irresponsible and dangerous.” “There is absolutely no good reason to do so,” he said. But Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chair of the panel, vowed he would stick to his schedule, and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the majority leader, said he intended to move the nomination as soon as the committee approved it. × “Just finished a great phone call with @POTUS,” McConnell wrote on Twitter on Friday. “He’s in good spirits and we talked business — especially how impressed Senators are with the qualifications of Judge Barrett. Full steam ahead with the fair, thorough, timely process that the nominee, the Court, &amp; the country deserve.” Republican officials said they had no doubt that senators would find a way to muscle through the nomination over Democrats’ protests. But Republicans cannot afford to have many members sidelined by illness, which could provide Democrats an opportunity to stall the proceedings. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have already raised objections to moving ahead before the election, reducing the wiggle room in the 53-47 Republican majority. McConnell has insisted throughout the pandemic that the Senate continue to meet in person, but he conceded Friday that keeping Republican senators healthy was crucial to the fate of the nomination. “I think every precaution needs to be taken because we don’t anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or the full Senate, and therefore everybody needs to be in an all-hands-on-deck mindset,” he said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. The posturing around the court fight played out as government officials at the White House and on Capitol Hill spent Friday racing to trace those who had come in contact with known carriers of the virus to determine how far it had spread. Also Read | Trump having 'trouble breathing' at hospital: Report Trump was in proximity to Barrett when he announced her nomination in the Rose Garden a week ago at a well-attended celebration where few masks or other precautions were evident. At least two other high-profile attendees, the Rev. John Jenkins, the president of the University of Notre Dame, and Kellyanne Conway, a former White House counselor, said Friday that they had also tested positive. Lee and Tillis were among at least eight Republican senators present at the White House event, where some guests also gathered indoors and where video captured Lee hugging other attendees without a mask. Tillis wore a mask. Both men are on the Judiciary Committee and met with Barrett on Capitol Hill this week indoors, without masks, as did more than a dozen others. Tillis’ office released a photograph of the senator and the nominee bumping elbows. Both senators said they felt fine but would isolate for 10 days, placing them on track to reemerge on the day Graham intends to begin Barrett’s hearing. Other lawmakers who had been in proximity to Trump or his aides said they were getting tested. Among them were Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.; and Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., who all announced they had tested negative. Also Read | Even the White House’s testing regime couldn’t stop coronavirus Republican members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, who flew with the president on Air Force One from Washington to a campaign rally in Duluth, also said they were being tested. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, flew to the presidential debate in Cleveland on Tuesday on Air Force One with the president and Hope Hicks, a close aide to Trump who tested positive Thursday. Jordan announced Friday that he had tested negative. Concerns about the outbreak appeared to lead to a change in Congress’s much-maligned approach to testing the thousands of people who stream in and out of the Capitol complex each week, many of them flying in from around the country. The Office of the Attending Physician informed lawmakers Friday that same-day testing would now be offered in the Capitol to lawmakers who showed possible coronavirus symptoms or had been exposed to someone who had tested positive. Staff members who came into contact with someone who tested positive could also get tests, the office said. The announcement came after Schumer had expressed deepened anxiety about the health outlook in the Capitol after Trump’s positive test. “This episode demonstrates that the Senate needs a testing and contact-tracing program for senators, staff and all who work in the Capitol complex,” Schumer said. “We simply cannot allow the administration’s cavalier attitude to adversely affect this branch of government. It is imperative that all results be made public in order to contain a possible outbreak and so we can determine the need for senators and staff to quarantine or self-isolate.” Fresh fears about the spread of the virus only stiffened resistance to Barrett’s nomination among Democrats, who were already outraged that Republicans were racing to confirm a Supreme Court justice so close to the election after having blocked President Barack Obama from filling a vacancy nine months before Election Day in 2016. But with Trump’s reelection in doubt and their party in danger of losing its Senate majority, Republicans are even more eager to confirm the nominee quickly. They have insisted they are justified in moving ahead with the nomination because Trump was elected in 2016 and Republicans gained seats in the Senate in 2018, an argument that would be undercut by losses in November. Some Republican advisers were pushing to scrap plans to keep the Senate in session next week, hoping to reduce the risk of more Republican senators becoming infected. But adjourning may not be in McConnell’s control. He had been in favor of allowing senators to go home, but Democrats trying to inflict pain on Republicans for their rush to fill the Supreme Court seat refused to go along, using parliamentary tactics to prevent it. As for Barrett, two officials with knowledge of her medical history said that she had already had the coronavirus and recovered this year, potentially providing some immunity for her. But it was not yet clear whether she would continue her courtesy meetings with senators in person next week. She tested negative for the virus Friday, officials said.

Trump’s diagnosis imperils quick Supreme Court confirmation timeline

Senators of the Republican Party said on Friday that they will continue to press forward the confirmation process of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett in spite of President Trump having been infected with coronavirus. The Judiciary Committee hearings are due to begin on October 3. Amy Coney Barrett has been nominated by Donald Trump for US Supreme Court.

Mitch McConnel, Senate majority leader, said that the Senate would proceed with Barrett's confirmation.

"I think we can move forward. Our biggest enemy, obviously, is ... the coronavirus, keeping everybody healthy and well and in place to do our job," McConnell told radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt.

"Full steam ahead," an aide to Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham told Reuters when asked if the schedule for hearings due to begin on Oct. 12 could change.

Graham spoke to Trump on Friday morning and said the first thing the president asked about was the Senate`s plan for Barrett`s confirmation, the aide added.

Barrett, who was last with Trump on Saturday, has tested negative for the coronavirus and is following government guidelines on social distancing and other best practices, according to a White House official.

Republican Party has 53-47 majority in the Senate.

Why the hurry

Amy Coney Barrett is known for her conservative views. Republican Party's vote base is conservative Americans. If Amy Coney Barrett gets confirmed on the Supreme Court, the conservative judges will have 6-3 majority over judges who are more liberal.

Moreover, the republican party is trying hard to confirm Amy Coney Barrett before November 3 US Presidential Elections.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-has-the-coronavirus-what-risks-does-he-face-332026">Trump has the coronavirus. What risks does he face?</a> 
 
In 2000, US Supreme Court had to resolve US Presidential Elections after the votes had been cast and counted. Republican Party's George Bush was declared winner of the election.

It is being said that by confirming Amy Coney Barrett in Supreme Court, Republicans envisage a possible advantage if Supreme Court needs to get involved to resolve US Elections 2020.

What options do Democrats have?

At the moment very few. Although two Republican Senators have said that they will not support Trump's nominee, another defection from the Republican camp would bring the Senate strength during the vote to 50-50. Vice-President Mike Pence can then exercise casting vote in favour of Amy Coney Barrett.

Biden and his vice presidential running mate Kamala Harris, a member of the Judiciary Committee, blasted Trump's choice of Barrett, focusing in particular on the threat they said she would pose to healthcare for millions of Americans.

Biden noted that even as Trump's administration is seeking to strike down Obamacare in a case the Supreme Court is due to hear on Nov. 10, Barrett has a "written track record" criticizing a pivotal 2012 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts preserving the healthcare law formally known as the Affordable Care Act. If quickly confirmed, Barrett could be on the bench to hear that case.

Democrats also fretted that Barrett could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, a goal of religious conservatives.

(With Reuters inputs)

Senators of the Republican Party said on Friday that they will continue to press forward the confirmation process of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett in spite of President Trump having been infected with coronavirus.

Senators of the Republican Party said on Friday that they will continue to press forward the confirmation process of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett in spite of President Trump having been infected with coronavirus. The Judiciary Committee hearings are due to begin on October 3. Amy Coney Barrett has been nominated by Donald Trump for US Supreme Court. Mitch McConnel, Senate majority leader, said that the Senate would proceed with Barrett's confirmation. "I think we can move forward. Our biggest enemy, obviously, is ... the coronavirus, keeping everybody healthy and well and in place to do our job," McConnell told radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt. "Full steam ahead," an aide to Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham told Reuters when asked if the schedule for hearings due to begin on Oct. 12 could change. Graham spoke to Trump on Friday morning and said the first thing the president asked about was the Senate`s plan for Barrett`s confirmation, the aide added. Barrett, who was last with Trump on Saturday, has tested negative for the coronavirus and is following government guidelines on social distancing and other best practices, according to a White House official. Republican Party has 53-47 majority in the Senate. Why the hurry Amy Coney Barrett is known for her conservative views. Republican Party's vote base is conservative Americans. If Amy Coney Barrett gets confirmed on the Supreme Court, the conservative judges will have 6-3 majority over judges who are more liberal. Moreover, the republican party is trying hard to confirm Amy Coney Barrett before November 3 US Presidential Elections. Also Read | Trump has the coronavirus. What risks does he face? In 2000, US Supreme Court had to resolve US Presidential Elections after the votes had been cast and counted. Republican Party's George Bush was declared winner of the election. It is being said that by confirming Amy Coney Barrett in Supreme Court, Republicans envisage a possible advantage if Supreme Court needs to get involved to resolve US Elections 2020. What options do Democrats have? At the moment very few. Although two Republican Senators have said that they will not support Trump's nominee, another defection from the Republican camp would bring the Senate strength during the vote to 50-50. Vice-President Mike Pence can then exercise casting vote in favour of Amy Coney Barrett. Biden and his vice presidential running mate Kamala Harris, a member of the Judiciary Committee, blasted Trump's choice of Barrett, focusing in particular on the threat they said she would pose to healthcare for millions of Americans. Biden noted that even as Trump's administration is seeking to strike down Obamacare in a case the Supreme Court is due to hear on Nov. 10, Barrett has a "written track record" criticizing a pivotal 2012 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts preserving the healthcare law formally known as the Affordable Care Act. If quickly confirmed, Barrett could be on the bench to hear that case. Democrats also fretted that Barrett could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, a goal of religious conservatives. (With Reuters inputs)

Republicans to push Barrett's confirmation despite Trump's positive COVID-19 test

President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden will face each other live on TV for the first time in Cleveland, Ohio for the first presidential debate.

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The first presidential debate, also dubbed as "Super bowl" of American democracy will begin shortly. Donald Trump frames the debate as a test for Joe Biden's mental acuity. This report sums up the campaign war ahead of the live debate.

U.S. Election 2020: Trump & Biden pre-debate campaign clash

Clocks around the world have been put on a countdown to 9 PM ET & 6:30 AM IST for the first Presidential Debate 2020. Festivities have begun on social media ahead of the live debate. Tweeter wrestle out narratives & judge candidates.

U.S. Election 2020: Festivities begin on twitter for big debate night

US President Donald Trump has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court to fill up the vacancy following the death of Judge Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Trump's US Supreme Court pick is Judge Amy Coney Barrett

Democratic Party's US presidential nominee Joe Biden made his displeasure clear over Trump administration's haste to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court. In his address to the media, he said that this move by Donald Trump defied "every precedent, every expectation". In his strongly-worded statement, Biden underlined the much talked about 'doubletalk' of the Republican Party.

"Never before in our has a Supreme Court justice been nominated and installed while the presidential election is already underway," said Biden.

In 2016, Republican Party had refused to hold a hearing for a judge former US President Barack Obama wanted to nominate for the Supreme Court. The GOP had argued that such a step could not be taken in an election year.

But now, the Republican Party is rapidly closing its rank to ensure that Senate confirms Amy Coney Barrett's nomination.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-party-races-against-time-to-confirm-amy-coney-barrett-on-us-supreme-court-330701">Republican Party races against time to confirm Amy Coney Barrett on US Supreme Court</a>

"There's no mystery about what is happening here, President Trump is trying to throw out the affordable care act He has been trying to do that for last 4 years," said Joe Biden.

Affordable Care Act or 'Obamacare' is the act brought into effect by Barack Obama administration. The act enabled millions of financially weak Americans to avail affordable healthcare. Republican Party is fiercely against the act. If the act is repealed, millions of Americans will lose access to healthcare.

Biden said that there were "written" records showing how Amy Coney Barrett was against Obamacare.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-wants-drug-test-for-joe-biden-before-us-presidential-debates-2020-330721">Donald Trump wants drug test for Joe Biden before US presidential debates 2020</a>

Democratic Party has very few options left to block confirmation of Barrett. Republicans control the Senate 53-47.

At the end of his media address. Joe Biden urged all Senators to "take off blinders", keep aside the politics and bring USA back from the brink. Biden did not take questions after his address. 
&nbsp;

Democratic Party's US presidential nominee Joe Biden made his displeasure clear over Trump administration's haste to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court. In his address to the media, he said that this move by Donald Trump defied "every precedent, every expectation".

Democratic Party's US presidential nominee Joe Biden made his displeasure clear over Trump administration's haste to appoint Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court. In his address to the media, he said that this move by Donald Trump defied "every precedent, every expectation". In his strongly-worded statement, Biden underlined the much talked about 'doubletalk' of the Republican Party. "Never before in our has a Supreme Court justice been nominated and installed while the presidential election is already underway," said Biden. In 2016, Republican Party had refused to hold a hearing for a judge former US President Barack Obama wanted to nominate for the Supreme Court. The GOP had argued that such a step could not be taken in an election year. But now, the Republican Party is rapidly closing its rank to ensure that Senate confirms Amy Coney Barrett's nomination. Also Read | Republican Party races against time to confirm Amy Coney Barrett on US Supreme Court "There's no mystery about what is happening here, President Trump is trying to throw out the affordable care act He has been trying to do that for last 4 years," said Joe Biden. Affordable Care Act or 'Obamacare' is the act brought into effect by Barack Obama administration. The act enabled millions of financially weak Americans to avail affordable healthcare. Republican Party is fiercely against the act. If the act is repealed, millions of Americans will lose access to healthcare. Biden said that there were "written" records showing how Amy Coney Barrett was against Obamacare. Also Read: Donald Trump wants drug test for Joe Biden before US presidential debates 2020 Democratic Party has very few options left to block confirmation of Barrett. Republicans control the Senate 53-47. At the end of his media address. Joe Biden urged all Senators to "take off blinders", keep aside the politics and bring USA back from the brink. Biden did not take questions after his address.

Joe Biden strongly opposes Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to US Supreme Court

Things have gathered pace in Republican Party camps in the US as the GOP closes ranks to hasten the process of confirming Amy Cony Barrett on the Supreme Court. In early hours of Sunday, US President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett but a final seal of approval will come from US Senate that will confirm the nomination. Amy Coney Barrett will replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the Supreme Court. Ginsburg passed away on September 18.

Republican Party has 53-47 majority in the Senate.

Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, himself a Republican, has already made confirming Amy Coney Barrett a paramount priority.

"I look forward to meeting with the nominee next week and will carefully study her record and credentials," he said,"As I have stated, this nomination will receive a vote on the Senate floor in the weeks ahead."

Why&nbsp;the hurry

Amy Coney Barrett is known for her conservative views. Republican Party's vote base is conservative Americans. If Amy Coney Barrett gets confirmed on the Supreme Court, the conservative judges will have 6-3 majority over judges who are more liberal.

Moreover, the republican party is trying hard to confirm Amy Coney Barrett before November 3 US Presidential Elections.

In 2000, US Supreme Court had to resolve US Presidential Elections after the votes had been cast and counted. Republican Party's George Bush was declared winner of the election.

It is being said that by confirming Amy Coney Barrett in Supreme Court, Republicans envisage a possible advantage if Supreme Court needs to get involved to resolve US Elections 2020.

Amy Coney Barrett to meet Senators

Barrett is expected to begin meetings with individual senators on Tuesday. Trump said the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by his ally Senator Lindsey Graham, would begin confirmation hearings on Oct. 12.

Like Trump's two other appointees, Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, Barrett is young enough that she could serve for decades in the lifetime job, leaving a lasting conservative imprint. Trump's two previous appointments were surrounded by controversy.

'Hypocrite' Republican Party?

Republican Party is drawing criticism for trying to rush through things just to obtain advantage in presidential elections.

In 2016, when then-President Barack Obama wanted to fill Supreme Court vacancy, Mitch McConnell had refused to hold Senate hearing saying that such a step could not be taken during an election year.

Now the Republicans are doing the same thing for their favoured Supreme Court nominee not just in an election year but just weeks before the presidential elections.

What options do Democrats have?

At the moment very few. Although two Republican Senators have said that they will not support Trump's nominee, another defection from the Republican camp would bring the Senate strength during the vote to 50-50. Vice-President Mike Pence can then exercise casting vote in favour of Amy Coney Barrett.

Biden and his vice presidential running mate Kamala Harris, a member of the Judiciary Committee, blasted Trump's choice of Barrett, focusing in particular on the threat they said she would pose to healthcare for millions of Americans.

Biden noted that even as Trump's administration is seeking to strike down Obamacare in a case the Supreme Court is due to hear on Nov. 10, Barrett has a "written track record" criticizing a pivotal 2012 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts preserving the healthcare law formally known as the Affordable Care Act. If quickly confirmed, Barrett could be on the bench to hear that case.

Democrats also fretted that Barrett could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, a goal of religious conservatives.

"Trump's hand-picked successor to Justice Ginsburg's seat makes it clear: they intend to destroy the Affordable Care Act &amp; overturn Roe. This selection would move the court further right for a generation &amp; harm millions of Americans," Harris wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

An emboldened Supreme Court conservative majority could shift the United States to the right on hot-button issues by, among other things, curbing abortion rights, expanding religious rights, striking down gun control laws, halting the expansion of LGBT rights, and endorsing new restrictions on voting rights.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Things have gathered pace in Republican Party camps in the US as the GOP closes ranks to hasten the process of confirming Amy Cony Barrett on the Supreme Court. In early hours of Sunday, US President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett but a final seal of approval will come from US Senate that will confirm the nomination.

Things have gathered pace in Republican Party camps in the US as the GOP closes ranks to hasten the process of confirming Amy Cony Barrett on the Supreme Court. In early hours of Sunday, US President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett but a final seal of approval will come from US Senate that will confirm the nomination. Amy Coney Barrett will replace liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the Supreme Court. Ginsburg passed away on September 18. Republican Party has 53-47 majority in the Senate. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, himself a Republican, has already made confirming Amy Coney Barrett a paramount priority. "I look forward to meeting with the nominee next week and will carefully study her record and credentials," he said,"As I have stated, this nomination will receive a vote on the Senate floor in the weeks ahead." Why the hurry Amy Coney Barrett is known for her conservative views. Republican Party's vote base is conservative Americans. If Amy Coney Barrett gets confirmed on the Supreme Court, the conservative judges will have 6-3 majority over judges who are more liberal. Moreover, the republican party is trying hard to confirm Amy Coney Barrett before November 3 US Presidential Elections. In 2000, US Supreme Court had to resolve US Presidential Elections after the votes had been cast and counted. Republican Party's George Bush was declared winner of the election. It is being said that by confirming Amy Coney Barrett in Supreme Court, Republicans envisage a possible advantage if Supreme Court needs to get involved to resolve US Elections 2020. Amy Coney Barrett to meet Senators Barrett is expected to begin meetings with individual senators on Tuesday. Trump said the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by his ally Senator Lindsey Graham, would begin confirmation hearings on Oct. 12. Like Trump's two other appointees, Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, Barrett is young enough that she could serve for decades in the lifetime job, leaving a lasting conservative imprint. Trump's two previous appointments were surrounded by controversy. 'Hypocrite' Republican Party? Republican Party is drawing criticism for trying to rush through things just to obtain advantage in presidential elections. In 2016, when then-President Barack Obama wanted to fill Supreme Court vacancy, Mitch McConnell had refused to hold Senate hearing saying that such a step could not be taken during an election year. Now the Republicans are doing the same thing for their favoured Supreme Court nominee not just in an election year but just weeks before the presidential elections. What options do Democrats have? At the moment very few. Although two Republican Senators have said that they will not support Trump's nominee, another defection from the Republican camp would bring the Senate strength during the vote to 50-50. Vice-President Mike Pence can then exercise casting vote in favour of Amy Coney Barrett. Biden and his vice presidential running mate Kamala Harris, a member of the Judiciary Committee, blasted Trump's choice of Barrett, focusing in particular on the threat they said she would pose to healthcare for millions of Americans. Biden noted that even as Trump's administration is seeking to strike down Obamacare in a case the Supreme Court is due to hear on Nov. 10, Barrett has a "written track record" criticizing a pivotal 2012 ruling authored by Chief Justice John Roberts preserving the healthcare law formally known as the Affordable Care Act. If quickly confirmed, Barrett could be on the bench to hear that case. Democrats also fretted that Barrett could help overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, a goal of religious conservatives. "Trump's hand-picked successor to Justice Ginsburg's seat makes it clear: they intend to destroy the Affordable Care Act & overturn Roe. This selection would move the court further right for a generation & harm millions of Americans," Harris wrote on Twitter on Saturday. An emboldened Supreme Court conservative majority could shift the United States to the right on hot-button issues by, among other things, curbing abortion rights, expanding religious rights, striking down gun control laws, halting the expansion of LGBT rights, and endorsing new restrictions on voting rights. (With Reuters inputs)

Republican Party races against time to confirm Amy Coney Barrett on US Supreme Court

US is towards the November polls but Donald Trump is very quickly trying to fill the vacant position in the Supreme Court before the election happens.

Donald Trump picks conservative Amy C. Barrett for top court judge

Pro-life & pro-opinion clash in Washington DC as US President Donald Trump publically announces conservative judge Amy Barrett his nominee.

Donald Trump picks conservative Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court

To provide a needed boost to his reelection effort, US President Donald Trump has nominated Amy Coney Barrett to be the new Supreme Court justice, to fill a Supreme Court seat vacated after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-election-winner-might-not-be-known-for-months-330460">Also read | Trump says US election winner might not be known for months</a> 
 
"Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation’s most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court. She is a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution, Judge Amy Coney Barrett," Trump said at the White House lawn on Saturday.

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> announces his intent to nominate Judge Amy Coney Barrett! <a href="https://t.co/rgQEcSETKk">pic.twitter.com/rgQEcSETKk</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1309966732291960835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Amy Coney Barrett, 48, who is a circuit judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago, was reportedly the only potential Supreme Court nominee who met with Trump in person.

"This is my third such nomination .... and it is a very proud moment indeed," Trump said. "You are going to be fantastic," Trump added, addressing Amy Coney Barrett who was standing beside him.

The president then thanked Republican senators for their “commitment and to providing a fair and timely hearing”.

Republican Senate leadership has vowed to move ahead with a confirmation vote before the November 3 presidential election. Democrats, meanwhile, have said whoever wins the election should pick the next justice.

“[It] should be a straightforward and prompt confirmation … It’s going to be very quick. I’m sure it’ll be extremely non-controversial,” Trump said about the process.

(With inputs from agencies)

To provide a needed boost to his reelection effort, US President Donald Trump has nominated Amy Coney Barrett to be the new Supreme Court justice, to fill a Supreme Court seat vacated after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

To provide a needed boost to his reelection effort, US President Donald Trump has nominated Amy Coney Barrett to be the new Supreme Court justice, to fill a Supreme Court seat vacated after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Also read | Trump says US election winner might not be known for months "Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation’s most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court. She is a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution, Judge Amy Coney Barrett," Trump said at the White House lawn on Saturday. President @realDonaldTrump announces his intent to nominate Judge Amy Coney Barrett! pic.twitter.com/rgQEcSETKk — The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 26, 2020 × Amy Coney Barrett, 48, who is a circuit judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago, was reportedly the only potential Supreme Court nominee who met with Trump in person. "This is my third such nomination .... and it is a very proud moment indeed," Trump said. "You are going to be fantastic," Trump added, addressing Amy Coney Barrett who was standing beside him. The president then thanked Republican senators for their “commitment and to providing a fair and timely hearing”. Republican Senate leadership has vowed to move ahead with a confirmation vote before the November 3 presidential election. Democrats, meanwhile, have said whoever wins the election should pick the next justice. “[It] should be a straightforward and prompt confirmation … It’s going to be very quick. I’m sure it’ll be extremely non-controversial,” Trump said about the process. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett to be new Supreme Court Justice

Republicans are expecting US President Donald Trump to announce Amy Coney Barret as his nominee to the Supreme Court.

Donald Trump may select Amy Barrett as new Supreme Court judge

The US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has decided who will be replacing Ruth Bade&nbsp;Ginsburg, and as expected it can help him bring a conservative majority in the high court.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett may be the next one to replace Ginsburg after the latter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-judge-ruth-bader-ginsburg-dies-at-87-wanted-to-see-trump-lose-in-us-elections-328526">passed away</a> few days ago due to cancer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rest-in-power-americans-mourn-the-death-of-ruth-bader-ginsburg-328786">Have a look| 'Rest in power': Americans mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>

The reports have only surfaced in the local media and have not been confirmed yet by the White House or&nbsp;Trump.

A confirmed name will be announced by Saturday evening, and local media houses have cited close sources to establish that Barrett would be the next in line.

If selected, the 48-year-old will shift the court to a&nbsp;6-3 conservative majority. Calling Barrett "outstanding",&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said he has already made a decision in his mind, but did not confirm Barrett's nomination and told the reporters,&nbsp;"I haven't said that."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-jeered-and-heckled-as-he-visits-ginsburgs-casket-330009">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Trump jeered and heckled as he visits Ginsburg's casket</a>

He had already clarified that he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-nominate-a-woman-to-replace-ginsburg-stating-he-likes-women-more-328748">nominate a woman to replace RBG</a>.&nbsp;"I think it should be a woman because I actually like women much more than men."

The decision to replace RBG is directly against her wishes as her last wish, as recorded with her granddaughter, was "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."

Trump's&nbsp;rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>,&nbsp;along with several others, have objected to&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;run to replace the Supreme Court Judge.

This move is being seen as a calculated move to ensure a conservative majority in the court before the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>&nbsp;that are scheduled for November 03.

Having a conservative majority in the court will help&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;if the history repeats itself and the decision on who will be the next President of the United States comes to the court.

The US President Donald Trump has decided who will be replacing Ruth Bade Ginsburg, and as expected it can help him bring a conservative majority in the high court.

The US President Donald Trump has decided who will be replacing Ruth Bade Ginsburg, and as expected it can help him bring a conservative majority in the high court. Judge Amy Coney Barrett may be the next one to replace Ginsburg after the latter passed away few days ago due to cancer. Have a look| 'Rest in power': Americans mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg The reports have only surfaced in the local media and have not been confirmed yet by the White House or Trump. A confirmed name will be announced by Saturday evening, and local media houses have cited close sources to establish that Barrett would be the next in line. If selected, the 48-year-old will shift the court to a 6-3 conservative majority. Calling Barrett "outstanding", Trump said he has already made a decision in his mind, but did not confirm Barrett's nomination and told the reporters, "I haven't said that." Also read| US election 2020: Trump jeered and heckled as he visits Ginsburg's casket He had already clarified that he would nominate a woman to replace RBG. "I think it should be a woman because I actually like women much more than men." The decision to replace RBG is directly against her wishes as her last wish, as recorded with her granddaughter, was "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed." Trump's rival Joe Biden, along with several others, have objected to Trump's run to replace the Supreme Court Judge. This move is being seen as a calculated move to ensure a conservative majority in the court before the upcoming US elections that are scheduled for November 03. Having a conservative majority in the court will help Trump if the history repeats itself and the decision on who will be the next President of the United States comes to the court.

Trump to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ginsburg before US elections: Reports

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who has been shortlisted by US President Donald Trump as one of the candidate for the nine member Supreme Court bench, has been generating a lot of curiosity for reasons not related to her work. 
 
According to reports, Barrett has been a part of a ultraconservative Christian community called People Of Praise which has freakish similarities to the male-dominated socity of Margaret Atwood's novel 'The Handmaid's Tale'. 
 
Set in a dystopian world, 'The Handmaid's Tale' explores themes of subjugated women in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women resist and attempt to gain individuality and independence. 
 
Many term the group as an unusual mix of Roman Catholic and and Pentecostal traditions. In factm until 2018, it used the term ‘handmaid’ for its female leaders. 
 
There has been a renewed interest in the group ever since Trump named Barrett as one of his shortlisted candidates for the elevation to the Supreme Court. 
 
So far, the conservative group has not confirmed or deniyed whether Barrett was a member. &nbsp; 
 
The group’s spokesman, Sean Connolly, told Reuters that women were not considered subservient in People of Praise and that many hold leadership roles, such as directing schools and ministries. 
 
Barrett did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment about her membership in People of Praise made through a clerk at the Chicago-based 7th Circuit. 
 
Sharon Loftus, a judicial assistant to Barrett, said in an email the judge`s policy was not to give interviews or comments to the media. 
 
Trump has said he plans to nominate a Supreme Court justice this week to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died last Friday. He said he is considering Barrett as well as Barbara Lagoa of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. 
 
People of Praise has about 1,700 members in 22 cities in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, according to its website, and was founded in 1971 in South Bend, Indiana, also the home of the Catholic-led University of Notre Dame. 
 
"We admire the first Christians who were led by the Holy Spirit to form a community," the website says, tracing its origins to the late 1960s when students and faculty at Notre Dame experienced "a renewal of Christian enthusiasm and fervor, together with charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues and physical healing." 
 
Its most devoted members make a lifelong commitment to the group, known as a covenant. 
 
From 1970, women with leadership roles in the organization were called handmaids, but that changed following the popular 2017-to-present Hulu television series "The Handmaid`s Tale," based on a 1985 book by Margaret Atwood. The dystopian story is set in a future United States where the rules of the male-dominated society are based on the leaders` twisted interpretation of Old Testament scriptures. 
 
"Recognizing that the meaning of this term has shifted dramatically in our culture in recent years, we no longer use the term handmaid," the group said in 2018, without specifically attributing the change to the show. 
 
Coral Anika Theill, a former People of Praise member, has been strongly critical of the group, calling it a "cult" and saying in an interview women are expected to be completely obedient to men and independent thinkers are "humiliated, interrogated, shamed and shunned." 
 
Theill, who last year wrote a blog post entitled "I lived the Handmaid`s Tale," said she planned to call every US senator to oppose Barrett should she become Trump`s nominee. 
 
Reuters could not independently verify her account. When asked about Theill`s allegations, People of Praise spokesman Connolly said the group followed Christian teachings that "men and women share a fundamental equality as bearers of God`s image." 
 
"We value independent thinking," Connolly said. 
 
Thomas Csordas, a scholar of comparative religion at the University of California, San Diego, said People of Praise was "very conservative" but that he would not consider it a cult, adding that some of the charismatic Christian communities he has researched were more authoritarian than People of Praise. 
 
In popular culture, the word cult can connote brainwashing and authoritarianism, he said. 
 
"My position to the press was that People of Praise is best described not as a cult but as a religiously-based `intentional community,`" Csordas said in an email. 
 
"When I first encountered Atwood`s book, I was frankly jolted by the similarity of terminology to that prevalent in some of the Catholic charismatic `covenant communities` I had been studying," Csordas wrote in a 1996 paper called `A Handmaid`s Tale,` without specifically referencing People of Praise.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who has been shortlisted by US President Donald Trump as one of the candidate for the nine member Supreme Court bench, has been generating a lot of curiosity for reasons not related to her work.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who has been shortlisted by US President Donald Trump as one of the candidate for the nine member Supreme Court bench, has been generating a lot of curiosity for reasons not related to her work. According to reports, Barrett has been a part of a ultraconservative Christian community called People Of Praise which has freakish similarities to the male-dominated socity of Margaret Atwood's novel 'The Handmaid's Tale'. Set in a dystopian world, 'The Handmaid's Tale' explores themes of subjugated women in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women resist and attempt to gain individuality and independence. Many term the group as an unusual mix of Roman Catholic and and Pentecostal traditions. In factm until 2018, it used the term ‘handmaid’ for its female leaders. There has been a renewed interest in the group ever since Trump named Barrett as one of his shortlisted candidates for the elevation to the Supreme Court. So far, the conservative group has not confirmed or deniyed whether Barrett was a member. The group’s spokesman, Sean Connolly, told Reuters that women were not considered subservient in People of Praise and that many hold leadership roles, such as directing schools and ministries. Barrett did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment about her membership in People of Praise made through a clerk at the Chicago-based 7th Circuit. Sharon Loftus, a judicial assistant to Barrett, said in an email the judge`s policy was not to give interviews or comments to the media. Trump has said he plans to nominate a Supreme Court justice this week to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died last Friday. He said he is considering Barrett as well as Barbara Lagoa of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. People of Praise has about 1,700 members in 22 cities in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, according to its website, and was founded in 1971 in South Bend, Indiana, also the home of the Catholic-led University of Notre Dame. "We admire the first Christians who were led by the Holy Spirit to form a community," the website says, tracing its origins to the late 1960s when students and faculty at Notre Dame experienced "a renewal of Christian enthusiasm and fervor, together with charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues and physical healing." Its most devoted members make a lifelong commitment to the group, known as a covenant. From 1970, women with leadership roles in the organization were called handmaids, but that changed following the popular 2017-to-present Hulu television series "The Handmaid`s Tale," based on a 1985 book by Margaret Atwood. The dystopian story is set in a future United States where the rules of the male-dominated society are based on the leaders` twisted interpretation of Old Testament scriptures. "Recognizing that the meaning of this term has shifted dramatically in our culture in recent years, we no longer use the term handmaid," the group said in 2018, without specifically attributing the change to the show. Coral Anika Theill, a former People of Praise member, has been strongly critical of the group, calling it a "cult" and saying in an interview women are expected to be completely obedient to men and independent thinkers are "humiliated, interrogated, shamed and shunned." Theill, who last year wrote a blog post entitled "I lived the Handmaid`s Tale," said she planned to call every US senator to oppose Barrett should she become Trump`s nominee. Reuters could not independently verify her account. When asked about Theill`s allegations, People of Praise spokesman Connolly said the group followed Christian teachings that "men and women share a fundamental equality as bearers of God`s image." "We value independent thinking," Connolly said. Thomas Csordas, a scholar of comparative religion at the University of California, San Diego, said People of Praise was "very conservative" but that he would not consider it a cult, adding that some of the charismatic Christian communities he has researched were more authoritarian than People of Praise. In popular culture, the word cult can connote brainwashing and authoritarianism, he said. "My position to the press was that People of Praise is best described not as a cult but as a religiously-based `intentional community,`" Csordas said in an email. "When I first encountered Atwood`s book, I was frankly jolted by the similarity of terminology to that prevalent in some of the Catholic charismatic `covenant communities` I had been studying," Csordas wrote in a 1996 paper called `A Handmaid`s Tale,` without specifically referencing People of Praise. (With inputs from Reuters)

Is there a link between Trump's Supreme Court candidate and 'The Handmaid's Tale'?