Congresswoman Barbara Lee Concerned With Gorsuch's Supreme Court Nom

Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after President Trump announced he has nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by Antonin Scalia:

"I am deeply concerned by President Trump's decision to name Judge Neil Gorsuch as his nominee to be the next Supreme Court Justice. The president has indicated that his nominee would automatically overturn Roe v. Wade and be approved by radical right-wing organizations. These pre-qualifications present an immediate threat to our constitutional rights and freedoms.

"The Supreme Court is the last line of defense for the protection of our civil and human rights. In order to qualify for a lifetime appointment to our nation's highest court, a nominee must respect the constitutional rights of all Americans and prove that he or she will judge cases fairly, with an open mind, and without a political agenda.

"The selection of our next Supreme Court Justice is not a decision we should take lightly, it will dramatically impact this generation and generations to come. The confirmation process must involve an in-depth review of Judge Gorsuch record.

"We must evaluate whether he will protect reproductive freedoms, civil and human rights for everyone, the separation of church and state and our environment among other issues of importance. As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus I believe Judge Gorsuch's record on issues that impact the African American community, including affirmative action, civil rights, voting rights, and criminal justice reform must be thoroughly examined.

"Given Judge Gorsuch's record on the federal bench I am concerned that he will not meet the high standards necessary to be a Justice that protects all Americans."

Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations Committee, Vice Chair of the Steering & Policy Committee, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and former co-chair of the Progressive Caucus and a Senior Democratic Whip. She serves as chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity.