WATCH: Sen. Chuck Schumer full statement in Senate confirmation vote on Ketanji Brown Jackson

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., spoke in favor of Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson during her Senate confirmation vote on April 7. He praised Jackson as a “brilliant jurist,” and thanked the Senate for giving her an expeditious and fair hearing. He also, like many other senators, noted the historic nature of Jackson’s nomination.

“A few days ago, I spoke with a group of 8th graders from Cheektowaga, New York. Many of them were students of color. It was amazing. When I mentioned that this week we were confirming the judge, you could see them light up. The unmistakable look in their eyes. ‘One day,’ each young lady thought to herself, ‘I can do it too,'” Schumer recounted.

“You know, it's been a dark two years with [COVID-19]. People getting sick and dying, many of whom we knew. Stores closing, schools shutting their doors. But even in the darkest times, there are bright lights. Today is one of the brightest lights, and let us hope it's a metaphor, an indication of many more bright lights to come," he added.

Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden in February to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. If confirmed, Jackson will be the first Black woman on the high court.

Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app

Find more from PBS NewsHour at

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Subscribe:

PBS NewsHour podcasts

Newsletters