Health Care Is Focus As Barrett Supreme Court Hearing Opens

By MARK SHERMAN, LISA MASCARO and MARY CLARE JALONICK

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats branded Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett a threat to Americans’ health care during the coronavirus pandemic Monday at the start of a fast-tracked hearing that Republicans are confident will end with Barrett’s confirmation to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day.

In a competing effort to define the 48-year-old Barrett, who sat silent and wearing a face mask, Republican senators called President Donald Trump’s pick a thoughtful judge with impeccable credentials.

Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm Barrett to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court.

The American Bar Association says Judge Amy Coney Barrett is well qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.

In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, the association says it has completed its evaluation of the professional qualifications of President Donald Trump’s choice to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

The letter says a majority of the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary determined that Barrett is “Well Qualified." A minority is of the opinion Barrett is “Qualified” to serve.

The group says its evaluation is based on “the qualities of integrity, professional competence, and judicial temperament.”

Republicans want Barrett confirmed before the presidential election.

Democratic vice presidential nominee and Sen. Kamala Harris says Republicans are trying to “ram through” Barrett.