Advocacy Team
Oct. 12, 2020: National Disability Call In Day to Oppose SCOTUS Nominee
Starting today, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has begun four days of hearings on the proposed nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, Judge Barrett would fill the seat held by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Judge Barrett’s nomination would need to be approved by the Judiciary Committee, and then she would need to be confirmed by a full Senate vote. If Judge Barrett is confirmed by the Senate, she would then be sworn in as the ninth Justice of the Supreme Court.
However, Judge Barrett’s brief federal judicial record is of grave concern to people with disabilities. She has only served as a federal judge for three years. Her record shows that it is likely that if she is confirmed, she would likely vote to strike down the Affordable Care Act, which contains important protections for many people with disabilities and/or pre-existing conditions. The Supreme Court will very soon hear a case about striking down the entire ACA, which is why the rushed nomination of Judge Barrett is a real threat. At least 50 disability rights groups oppose her nomination. Thus, today, ten national organizations are coming together for a national day of action to oppose the nomination of Judge Coney Barrett.
Today’s national call-in online event is at this link. The national groups hosting the event are the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD), the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Little Lobbyists, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the Alliance for Justice Action Campaign, the Center for Public Representation, Justice in Aging, the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, and the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), of which Access Living is a member.
Does it matter that Judge Barrett is a parent of a child with a disability?
Multiple news reports have mentioned the fact that Judge Barrett is the mother of a young son with Down syndrome, along with six other children. However, parents of children with disabilities have many diverse viewpoints, just as parents of non disabled children do. Parents of children with disabilities do not always agree on everything, including priorities for disability access and inclusion. In regards to Judge Barrett’s status as a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s important to stay grounded on her judicial record and legal views.
What you can do:
- Send the action alert at this link.
- Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 (voice) and ask to be connected to your Senator.[IF LEAVING A VOICEMAIL: please leave your full street address and zip code to ensure your call is tallied]
- Social media: If you are using social media and would like to know what hashtags to use, we suggest: #AmyConeyBarrett #OurCourt #CripTheVote #SCOTUS
What to say:
Hello, this is [name]. I’m a resident of [town, state].
I am calling to ask [Senator’s name] to oppose the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. As a [person with a disability or family member/friend/co-worker of a person with a disability], I am worried that Judge Barrett’s statements on the Affordable Care Act mean that, if confirmed, she would vote to overturn the ACA. Millions of Americans with disabilities rely on the ACA to protect our right to healthcare. If the ACA is overturned, especially during a pandemic, millions of lives could be at risk.
I ask you to vote no to Judge Barrett and pass on my concerns to the Judiciary Committee.
Thank you!
Please share this alert widely. Thank you for your advocacy.