Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates Historic Confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
WASHINGTON, D.C.?– Congresswoman Barbara Lee today released the below statement on the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
“Today, the dream of our ancestors and the trailblazers that came before us was realized with the historic confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
“As a jurist, Justice Jackson’s poise, intellect, and extensive qualifications are unmatched. She has proven herself to be an extraordinary nominee – despite degrading partisan attacks – and I am certain she will make an outstanding justice.
“A Black woman’s perspective has been missing from the Supreme Court since it was founded in 1789. It was a moving and powerful moment to witness Vice President Harris, the pride of the East Bay and the first Black woman Vice President, preside over the vote to confirm the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice. I was first inspired to get involved in public service by the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to serve in Congress and run for president in 1972. Because of Shirley Chisholm, I am. And now, because of Vice President Harris and Judge Jackson, countless young Black women will be.
“Representation matters, and make no mistake: Black women belong in Congress, in the White House, and on the bench of the Supreme Court. I congratulate Judge Jackson on her historic appointment.”
###
Congresswoman Lee is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. She serves as Co-Chair of the Steering & Policy Committee, former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair Emeritus of the Progressive Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force, and Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus. She also serves as Chair of the Majority Leader’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. As a member of the House Democratic Leadership, she is the highest ranking Black woman in the U.S. Congress.