Leader McConnell on Hugh Hewitt

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) joined Hugh Hewitt this morning to discuss Judge Barrett's nomination and a variety of other topics.

On Reshaping the Federal Judiciary:

"You and I both agree that the most significant, long-lasting accomplishment of the last four years is the President, coupled with this Republican majority in the Senate, has been putting people -- young men and women -- on the bench who believe in the quaint notion that maybe the job of a judge is to actually follow the law. Now we have an opportunity to put another Supreme Court justice in place. We've done fifty-three Circuit judges and a total of over 200 to the federal judiciary that I think will reap benefits for the American people for decades to come."

On the Religious Attacks Against Judge Barrett:

"I think this is the single biggest issue in the confirmation of Judge Barrett. Discrimination against people of religion is on full display. I think our colleagues on the other side need to be reminded there is no religious test for public service in America, none whatsoever.

"I think that the questions indicate a bias against people of faith as if they somehow can't carry out their jobs objectively. Well, Judge Barrett has previously sworn to uphold the Constitution. There is no religious test. I think this is totally out of bounds and we'll be talking about that a good bit during the confirmation process."

On Democrats' Threats Against Our Institutions:

"Look, these threats -- to end the filibuster, admit the District [of Columbia] and Puerto Rico as states, and to pack the Supreme Court -- predate the Barrett nomination. They were already threatening to do this. So you couldn't believe them if we agreed to delay the nominee. We don't intend to delay the consideration."

On Selecting Well-Qualified Judicial Nominees:

"We never know for sure how judges are going to rule. The founders were correct in giving them a lifetime appointment. All you can do is hope for the best. And I think the records of these fifty-three Circuit judges, and these two, and now soon three, Supreme Court justices, indicate a strong adherence to the Constitution. And hopefully we'll see that reflected in the years to come as they live out their lifetime appointments and protect the Constitution and the laws of the United States in perpetuity."

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