Following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on September 18, 2020, a Supreme Court Judge spot was left to be filled. President Trump was given the option to nominate an individual to fill this seat or wait until after the election and let the 2020 Presidential Election winner nominate a Supreme Court Justice. Despite many Americans feeling Trump should wait till after the presidential election to respect RBG’s dying wish that her seat not be filled till after the election, he nominated Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court Justice. 

   Originally from New Orleans, LA, Barrett is a conservative Catholic who grew up in a religious high school. Barrett attended Notre Dame Law School and Rhodes College. She has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit since October 2017. 

   Barrett’s confirmation would mean that the Republicans would accomplish their decade long goal of producing a right-leaning supreme court majority. 

   At Barrett’s confirmation hearing she denied revealing her stance on subjects such as health care, abortion rights, voting rights, and gun rights. Instead, those listening to the hearing learned about her approach to the law. 

   After the several steps to Supreme Court confirmation vote, including attending informal meetings on Capitol Hill, meeting qualifications, and passing the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s review and The American Bar Association’s rating on her ability to serve in the high court, the senate took their vote on Barrett. The Senate voted on October 26, 2020. The result of the vote was 52 to 48, confirming Barrett to the Supreme Court. 

   Barrett’s confirmation has increased the divide in  US politics between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats are frustrated with Barrett’s confirmation while Republicans see it as a big win. For Republicans, Barrett’s efficient confirmation means she will be able to be involved in the Affordable Care Act decision and possibly help to get rid of the legislation, which is a goal of Republicans. Many Americans are nervous about Barrett being involved in the decision of disregarding the Affordable Care Act because this could mean many health services such as prescription drug coverage and mental health services would not be paid for by the federal government.