Democrats Make History
Elections matter, and when Democrats win, we see historic results. Today marks the beginning of confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as the next associate justice on the US Supreme Court. If confirmed, Judge Jackson will be the first African American woman on the Supreme Court in our nation’s history – a significant milestone that is long past overdue.
As Judge Jackson appeared today before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the first day of her confirmation hearings, Judiciary Committee Chair Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) declared that Judge Jackson is “a living witness to the fact that in America, all is possible.” We agree and would add that it’s possible because of our democracy — the American people elected President Biden, and he nominated Judge Jackson. Elections matter.
A former clerk for Justice Breyer, Judge Jackson is eminently qualified to continue his legacy given her experience as a federal appellate judge, a federal district court judge, a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an attorney in private practice, and as a federal public defender. Judge Jackson has been confirmed by the Senate with votes from Republicans as well as Democrats three times, and we strongly urge the Senate to move quickly on her confirmation.
Over the next few months, the Court is expected to rule on cases that could strip away abortion access, Voting Rights Act protections, affirmative action, and more. While the addition of Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court will not change its conservative majority, we are confident that she will consistently defend our civil rights and Jewish values. Join us in telling the Senate to support Judge Jackson’s nomination by clicking the link below.
U.S. ACKNOWLEDGES GENOCIDE OF ROHINGYA IN MYANMAR
Today, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. would officially acknowledge the genocide of the Rohingya committed by the Burmese military. This is a crucial and overdue step, and we are thankful to the Biden administration for its leadership. As Jewish Americans, we are committed to stand up and speak out against oppression and violence against those most vulnerable.
JDCA is proud to be a member of the Jewish Rohingya Justice Network, which advocated tirelessly for today’s announcement. In their words:
“Today’s genocide determination is a significant and long-overdue step towards achieving justice for the Rohingya people. This is not just an important acknowledgment of the atrocities that have been committed against the Rohingya people, but a signal to all who commit these heinous abuses that the international community is watching.”
JOIN US THURSDAY FOR OUR MI-11 FORUM
Judge Jackson’s nomination and today’s news from the State Department demonstrate clearly that elections matter. Without Democrats’ crucial victories in 2018 and 2020, so many of our recent achievements would not have been possible. When we win, we make history.
To help voters make up their minds in tough primaries, JDCA has and will continue to host candidate forums, allowing candidates the opportunity to speak to the issues that matter most to Jewish Democrats.
Don’t miss our next forum this Thursday at 3 p.m. EST/12 p.m. PST in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District featuring Representatives Haley Stevens and Andy Levin. Click the link below to RSVP.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America