Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Statement on Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson

Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Judge Jackson becomes the first African-American woman to be a Supreme Court Justice and the fourth woman on the current Supreme Court. She replaces Justice Stephen Breyer, who is retiring from the Court later this year.

“I want to congratulate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her appointment to be the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice. She is a brilliant legal mind with the highest character and integrity. Justice Jackson has served at all levels of the legal system and brings decades of legal experience to her new position. Her work as a public defender gives her an understanding of how legal decisions affect the lives of all Americans. I am proud that President Biden has fulfilled his campaign promise to select an African-American woman for the Supreme Court and applaud the Senate for confirming such an exceptional judge. Today is a historic day in America.”

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Celebrates Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as Associate Justice

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement upon the Senate confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States:

“I’m overjoyed today. I am thrilled for Justice Jackson. I am thrilled for Black Women. I am thrilled for America. With this confirmation the Supreme Court will not only look more like America; it will think more like America. Today, my granddaughter got to see the first Black woman to serve as Vice President announce the confirmation of the first Black Woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. From this day forward she’ll know, and millions of Black girls and Black boys will know, that they can do anything.”

Michelle Obama statement on the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

Michelle Obama released the following statement after the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court:

I was so moved to see Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed this afternoon. Like so many of you, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride—a sense of joy—to know that this deserving, accomplished Black woman will be a part of the highest court in the land.

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on the Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement:

“For the first time in America’s history, a Black woman will sit on the highest court in our nation’s land. Like many Americans, I feel immense pride and so much joy at this historic occasion.

“As Judge Jackson ascends to the United States Supreme Court, I see in her the affirmation of our ancestors who suffered the indignities of this country yet sacrificed to bend the moral arc of our nation towards justice. They knew that America, though haunted by its past failings, was not bound by them and believed that a day like this would eventually arrive.

“Judge Jackson brings to the court a unique set of experiences. She has clerked at all three levels of the judiciary, including for Justice Stephen Breyer. In 2005, she became a public defender, embarking on the noble work that is a cornerstone of our justice system. Since then Judge Jackson has continued to serve our nation, first as Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and then on the federal bench. Her sterling credentials have earned her broad support and this will be the fourth time that the United States Senate will confirm her to a role she was nominated for in a bipartisan manner.

“Throughout her confirmation hearings, Judge Jackson has displayed poise and grace, and I commend President Biden for nominating her. He has found the right person to serve as the 116th Justice of the Supreme Court, and I am overjoyed to cast my vote in favor of a brilliant jurist who will inspire generations to come.”

Barack Obama statement on the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

Former President Barack Obama released the following statement after the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court:

Congratulations to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her appointment to the Supreme Court. This is a great day for America, and a proud moment in our history.