Pandemic that has already claimed more than 225,000 american lives. We are 00 mere eight days away we are a mere eight days a away from a president ial election. Donald trump announced his nomination of judge barrett even before we could fully mourn the death of the great Justice Ruth Bader ginsburg. And Senate Republicans then rushed this nomination to the senate floor. In doing so, they violated the rule that their leader, Mitch Mcconnell, imposed in 2016 which kept Merrick Garland off the Supreme Court after president obama nominated him in february of that year to fill the vacancy that arose with the death of justice antonin scalia. That rule was clear. That rule was concise. That rule was definitive. The senate would not consider a nomination to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court during a president ial election year. Many of my republican colleagues echoed leader mcconnells pledge. In fact, my colleague, senator Lindsey Graham, who chairs the judiciary committee, admonished us to
We do not participate in elections or endorse or oppose candidates in any way and we are very grateful to be producing with the nyu center that advocates for civil debate on politics and public policy, and nyu votes, which works to give every nyu eligible student the information they need to vote. I am especially grateful to be introducing an event with some of the countrys most important thinkers on what i think is one of the most urgent issues we face, and theres a lot of competition. Weve been witnessing a relentless and unprecedented series of attacks on the twin foundations of our democratic system. Free and Fair Elections and the rule of law. They are not unrelated. The president has made repeated threats to subvert the election, some with support from the attorney general, sending military to the polls, Voter Suppression, and perhaps most chillingly refusing to commit to abide by the election results. Some are worried the rule of law has been so eroded in this country, it may be
The presiding officer pursuant to rule 4, paragraph 2, the senate having been in continuous session, the senate will suspend for a prayer from the senate chaplain. The chaplain let us pray. Holy god, as our lawmakers strive on this decisive day in history to accomplish your purposes, show them how to discern your will. May they renew their minds through the in yourishment of your an hourishment of your holly word. Lord, prepare them to be sober minded and filled with your spirit, accomplishing the tasks that receive your approval. Lord, keep them from conforming to worldly impulses, as they strive to ensure that their conduct will rightly represent you. May they conduct themselves with holiness, godliness, and civility, waiting for the day when you will return to establish your kingdom on earth. Lord, prepare us all to stand before you in peace without spot or blemish. We pray in your powerful name. Amen. Mr. Lee mr. President. The presiding officer the senator from utah. Mr. Lee mr. P
The Senate Returns today and they vote later on a house passed resolution disapproving a new federal rule revising oversight oflow income banking services. Later in the week , a vote on a gop backed coronavirus Economic Relief bill. They will also take up the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett. Live now to the senate floor on cspan2. In the law and the prophets. We praise you for this profound maxim to guide our ethical conduct. May it provide our lawmakers with wisdom to make sound decisions and strength to walk in the way of justice and freedom for all. We pray in your wonderful name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Grassley madam president. The presiding officer the president pro tempore. Mr. Grassley one minute for morning business, please. Th
Very grateful to be producing with the nyu center that advocates for civil debate on politics and public policy, and nyu votes, which works to give every nyu eligible student the information they need to vote. I am especially grateful to be introducing an event with some of the countrys most important thinkers on what i think is one of the most urgent issues we face, and theres a lot of competition. Weve been witnessing a relentless and unprecedented series of attacks on the twin foundations of our democratic system. Free and Fair Elections and the rule of law. They are not unrelated. The president has made repeated threats to subvert the election, some with support from the attorney general, sending military to the polls, Voter Suppression, and perhaps most chillingly refusing to commit to abide by the election results. Some are worried the rule of law has been so eroded in this country, it may be possible to literally steal an election and we think there are strong legal and institut