Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Republicans On Senate Panel Approve Barrett; Democrats Boycott Vote
AP: GOP-Led Senate Panel Advances Barrett Despite Dems' Boycott
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to advance Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate as Republicans powered past Democrats’ boycott of the session. Democratic senators refused to show up in protest of the GOP’s rush to install President Donald Trump’s nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Never has the Senate confirmed a Supreme Court nominee so close to a presidential election. (Mascaro and Jalonick, 10/22)
Politico: Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Nomination
The vote went forward despite a Democratic boycott of the meeting — part of an effort to denounce Republicans’ confirmation drive as illegitimate coming just days before the presidential election. The full Senate is expected to hold a final vote on Barrett's nomination on Monday. (Levin, 10/22)
The Wall Street Journal: Amy Coney Barrett’s Nomination Advanced By Senate Judiciary Committee
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) is expected to take the rare step of keeping the chamber in session over the weekend in order to limit the opportunities for Democrats to delay the vote. If confirmed as expected, Judge Barrett would give the Supreme Court a solid conservative majority that could affect the role of government, the rights of individuals, and the interpretation of such long-debated constitutional terms as equal protection, due process of law, and cruel and unusual punishment. (Hughes, 10/22)
What's at stake —
PBS NewsHour: How Barrett’s Confirmation Could Influence The Fight Over Abortion Access
Over her three-day confirmation hearing, Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett repeatedly declined to discuss her stance on abortion. But while there is no way to know for certain how she will rule on such cases, legal scholars say that her record, as well as a careful reading of certain answers she gave the Senate Judiciary Committee, gives clues about where the Supreme Court could be headed on issues of reproductive rights. (Vinopal, 10/21)
Scientific American: Upcoming Supreme Court Ruling Could Jeopardize Health Insurance For People With COVID
In a case on the Affordable Care Act next month, a conservative court could take away protections for preexisting conditions. (Lewis, 10/21)
