Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
In Calls With Senators, Barrett Declines To Give Legal Views On Abortion, ACA
Politico: Barrett Speaks With Key Senate Dems Amid Calls To Delay Her Hearing
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee spoke by phone Wednesday to Judge Amy Coney Barrett, despite their widespread opposition to confirming her to the Supreme Court. ... In statements and interviews Wednesday, Senate Democrats continued to express concern about the confirmation process for Barrett and pressed the nominee on her views on the Affordable Care Act, Roe v. Wade, and other key issues. (Levine, 10/7)
The Washington Post: In Call With Democratic Senator, Barrett Declines To Discuss How She Might Rule On Health-Care Law
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett told a Democratic senator Wednesday that she believes key cases upholding the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act are precedent, but she did not say whether she believes the health-care decisions should be reconsidered. (Min Kim, 10/7)
The New York Times: Barrett Refused To Divulge Her Legal Views On Health Care And Abortion Rights On A Call, Coons Says
Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware, said that Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, repeatedly declined during a phone call on Wednesday to share her views of legal issues around abortion rights or the Affordable Care Act, citing the need to maintain impartiality on the bench. The conversation described by Mr. Coons, one of at least eight Democrats who have met with or spoken to Judge Barrett since her nomination, likely offers a preview of how she will approach multiple days of public confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week. Like other court nominees, she plans to refrain from any testimony that could tip her hand one way or another on hotly contested issues. (Fandos, 10/7)
