Judge Jackson
Welcome back to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Now, the last time you were before us just sitting here ago, I recall
that you mentioned that every once in a while.
You make it a point to
Walk a few blocks from your courthouse.
To the National Archives.
As John? No. Um
The National Archives is where
The Declaration of Independence. The constitution.
And the bill of Rights.
Our house.
You shared that you
Go there and reflect the momentousness of the office that you hold.
And it's a fitting place these archives to be reminded of our nation's
highest ideals. Our pursuit of a union that is more fair.
That is more free, and it is striving to be more perfect.
To also place to see how for 2.5 centuries our democracy has remained
A work in progress.
And that it's incumbent upon all of us.
Yes, as a nation.
But each of us as individuals to continue making that progress.
Are the men who
Rope. Our founding documents could never have imagined that you would
one day be here.
Former public defender, proud graduate of a public high school.
A working mom.
And yes, the first black woman nominated to serve on the nation's
highest court.
Colleagues. Our founding fathers also could never imagined that the
senators sitting before Judge Jackson would include the first women.
To represent California, Hawaii, Tennessee.
The first Jewish men to represent Georgia.
The verse Hispanic man to represent Texas.
The first black man to represent New Jersey.
Nor could they have imagined that the list would include me.
I'm here as a proud son of immigrants from Mexico who came to this
country with little formal education.
But with big dreams.
And a tremendous work ethic.
And it's because of the decades of hard work and sacrifice by Santos
and Lupe Padilla.
My dad has a short order Cook.
My mom as a housekeeper.
That I have enjoyed tremendous opportunities in my life.
And that includes the honor of representing the state of California
and the United States. Senate.
And being the first Latino to do so.
Select so many of us in this room. I'm blessed to live the American
dream.
Now looking around. You can see that the strides that our democracy
has made.
Towards strengthening our institutions by including more voices and
more perspectives.
Judge Jackson, If you're confirmed, will take another step towards
making our government better reflect the America that it serves.
Towards making the promise of America more real.
And we know that progress doesn't come easily.
Breaking barriers and being the first means not just significant
opportunity.
But tremendous responsibility.
Judge Jackson. I also know you're equipped with the tremendous record
of experience and accomplishment and you are ready.
To blaze this trail.
A trail that your grandparents
May have found unfathomable.
But one that your daughters
And my sons.
And future generations will now see as a natural part.
Of the American story.
Judge Jackson even before your next opinion or dissent.
Your appearance before us today already begins a new chapter in our
nation's history.
And I can say for certain that by the end of these hearings, those
watching across the country will know of your outstanding qualifications,
your experience and your accomplishments.
Which bear repeating over and over again.
A public education, including graduating from Miami Palmetto High
School.
I see that smile.
Followed by degrees from Harvard College.
And Harvard Law School.
Clerkships at the Federal District Court, the Federal Court of Appeals
and the United States Supreme Court.
Two years as a federal public defender.
Two years as a staff member of the United States Sentencing Commission
and four years as its vice chair.
You've been confirmed by this Senate.
Not once.
Not twice three times each on a bipartisan basis, including two lifetime
judicial appointments.
And you bring nearly a decade of judicial experience, which by the
way, is more than the combined total of four of the currently sitting
justices at the time they were nominated.
So, yes, you are clearly.
More than qualified to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court of
the United States.
And, yes,
You bring a wealth of other important experiences and perspectives
to the court.
Including as a working mother and as a black woman.
Now in these hearings, I look forward to speaking further about your
background, your experiences both on and off the bench.
And your approach to the law.
But based on our conversations already
And my review of your record. I believe you have the expertise.
The insights
And the heart.
To elevate the way the deliberations of the Supreme Court.
Now, Every year, the Supreme Court decides dozens of cases that shape
the fundamental rights and lives of the American people.
Only a small percentage of those cases will ever be highlighted in
history books, make the front page of newspapers or go viral on social
media.
But the choice is of Supreme Court will certainly shape the future
of labor rights, voting rights, women's rights, criminal justice,
immigration
Technology, environmental protection and so much more.
I also want to be clear about something important.
If you're confirmed
Out and expect to agree with every detail of every decision that
you make.
That's not my test.
That is not our test.
Origin job on this committee is to make sure that the next justice
will honor the rule of law.
And the principle of equal justice for all.
We must ensure that the next justice will help the Supreme Court
lived up to its responsibility to the American people.
And, yes, America is watching.
America is watching these hearings to see what the future holds.
Matches for themselves, but for the court as well.
Judge Jackson like you, I believe in the greatness and the promise
of this nation.
I believe that we can continue building on our dream of a more perfect
union.
And that includes building a government that better reflects and
represents the people that it serves.
It's a dream that we've spent 2.5 centuries struggling to realize.
And while this hearing may not be the last step on that journey,
it is a momentous step forward indeed.
Just Jackson. You're an outstanding nominee for our nation's highest
court. And I thank you for your service, and I thank you for sharing
your faith in America's promise.
Of faith. That is stronger because you know how far our nation has
come.
And Mr Chair before closing and with your indulgence.
I'd like to share a few words in Spanish on the importance of this
nomination.
But Cortez Supreme a
They see their chosen as the castle's gotta annual traffic that restaurants
Vidas
In restaurants, the retros fundamentalists.
Yes, As this is showing us affected and health food restaurant, he's
elder ritual voto.
Immigration.
Protection. Abby Intell.
The retros liberals, traumas.
Esta semana is nado
is where on
Low preparation to cicada Hasta la Cuesta Jackson lacorte Su prima.
A spirit Scripture mastery La cuesta perspective, As important as
in the society is get ready to
Alla Corte supreme, A
Jackson.
I look forward to your testimony over the next few days, and I thank