Critics say Collins' vote against Coney Barrett is 'too little, too late'

Sen. Susan Collins broke ranks with her party on Monday night to vote against the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court — a decision that Collins’ critics and opponents say was both ineffectual and calculated, as the vote falls amid a tense political battle for re-election.

The 52-48 vote in favor of Barrett’s confirmation gives conservatives six of the court’s nine seats, locking in a conservative majority for years to come. Democrats and activists argue legal abortion and protections for millions of Americans under the Affordable Care Act, among other rights, are in peril.

In a statement submitted to the congressional record Sunday, Collins emphasized that her vote against Coney Barrett was based on precedent rather than the judge’s qualifications.

“Prior to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, I stated that, should a vacancy on the Supreme Court arise, the Senate should follow the precedent set four years ago and not vote on a nominee prior to the presidential election,” Collins said. “Since her passing, I have reiterated that in fairness to the American people — who will either be re-electing the President or selecting a new one — the decision on the nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy should be made by whoever is elected on November 3rd.”

Read more: https://mainebeacon.com/critics-say-collins-vote-against-coney-barrett-is-too-little-too-late/