Stabenow Announces Opposition to Kavanaugh Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released the following statement to announce that she will oppose Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to serve on the United States Supreme Court:

“This Supreme Court vacancy represents a very serious and consequential moment for our country. It is essential that the next Supreme Court Justice not only be educated in the law but also balanced, impartial in his views, and focused on justice for all Americans.

“Based on the large number of cases and opinions written throughout Judge Kavanaugh’s career, it is clear that he has chosen to side with the wealthiest special interests over the majority of Americans time after time.

“Judge Kavanaugh’s comments and rulings make it clear that he would roll back women’s access to reproductive health care and make it much harder for Michigan families to get affordable insurance coverage, especially if they have preexisting conditions like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. 

“Judge Kavanaugh also has a record of siding with special interests over the rights and freedoms of working people and siding with polluters to gut environmental laws that protect our air, water, and Great Lakes.

“I have another deep concern as well. Of all the choices the President had for this position, he chose the one person who has indicated on the record that he believes the President is above the law. Judge Kavanaugh once wrote, ‘Under the Constitution, the President may decline to enforce a statute that regulates private individuals when the President deems the statute unconstitutional, even if a court has held or would hold the statute constitutional.’

“Our founders created our democracy with three branches of government, not one.  They created checks and balances so that it would be clear that no one is above the law. 

“It is the Senate’s constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination on behalf of the people we represent.

“After reviewing his record, I believe it is in the best interests of the people of Michigan for me to oppose the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh.”