CHARLESTON, WV (WOAY) – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today released the below statement regarding President Trump’s intent to fill the United States Supreme Court vacancy following the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
“President Trump and the Republican Senate, both elected by the American people, should act to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Justice Ginsburg’s passing. The Constitution authorizes the president to name a nominee, and it gives the Senate the power to approve or disapprove of that nomination. West Virginians and the American people expect us to exercise that responsibility. I support the choice to move forward with the confirmation process and will consider President Trump’s nominee on her merits as West Virginians would expect me to do. In these trying and polarized times, it is important to exercise our constitutional authority and move forward with the process.”
Back in 2016, when Justice Antonin Scalia died on February 13, 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to fill Scalia’s seat. Senator Capito did not support confirming a new Supreme Court Justice until after the November election of 2016.
Capito’s full statement back in 2016 can be seen below:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U. S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement regarding the naming of a Supreme Court nominee today:
“Before a Supreme Court justice is confirmed to a lifetime position on the bench, West Virginians and the American people should have the ability to weigh in at the ballot box this November. My position does not change with the naming of a nominee today.
“Anyone confirmed to the Supreme Court will play a key role in decisions on monumental issues ranging from EPA regulations that affect West Virginia’s energy sector, to immigration and Second Amendment rights. With just a few months until the election, West Virginians should have an opportunity to express their views and elect a new president who will select the Supreme Court justice.
