Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement following news that Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer would be announcing his retirement.
“Justice Breyer has led an exemplary and distinguished career in public service. I’m grateful to him for all that he has done to create a more fair and just country for all Americans.
“In the wake of Justice Breyer’s retirement, I want to voice my support for President Biden in his pledge to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. The Court should reflect the diversity of our country, and it is unacceptable that we have never in our nation’s history had a Black woman sit on the Supreme Court of the United States—I want to change that. There is no shortage of exceptional nominees who would serve with the judgment, qualifications, and ethical standards each Supreme Court Justice should embody—and Black women in America should be able to look at the highest court in the land and finally see themselves represented.
“I trust President Biden to move forward an exceptional nominee who will uphold all Americans’ rights and liberties—including protecting voting rights and reproductive rights. I am ready to move as quickly as possible to consider and confirm a highly qualified nominee who will break barriers and make history as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court of the United States.”
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