HF Statement on Nomination of Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court
July 10, 2018 (New York, NY) – Hispanic Federation President José Calderón has issued the following statement on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“President Trump’s nomination of U.S. District Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Anthony Kennedy as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court poses the greatest challenge to civil rights in our country in more than a generation. From reproductive rights, to sensible gun control, to legal protections for immigrants and the LGBT community, Judge Kavanaugh has distinguished himself by siding with the powerful over the powerless and by subscribing to a vision of America where the Constitution is a static document impervious to social, cultural, and economic changes. Hispanic Federation strenuously opposes Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
“In addition to our concerns regarding Judge Kavanaugh’s record on civil rights and his fealty to the dangerous legal doctrine of “originalism,” we are also very concerned about the role he might play in any legal proceedings resulting from the on-going investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Judge Kavanaugh has hinted that he opposes the investigation, indictment, and prosecution of a sitting president. Given the scope and impact of the Mueller investigation, and the growing number of individuals tied to President Trump and his presidential campaign that have been indicted and pled guilty as a result of said investigation, it is frightening to contemplate a Supreme Court Justice who has argued in favor of presidential impunity.
“Let’s be clear, this is no run-of-the-mill judicial appointment. The appointment of Judge Kavanaugh to the highest court in the land will fundamentally alter and potentially abolish legal protections for millions of Americans. Since launching his presidential campaign, President Trump has argued strenuously that his court nominees should pass legal litmus tests including favoring limits on women’s reproductive health choices, undercutting social programs such as the Affordable Care Act, and placing strict limits on immigrants’ rights. Unfortunately, Judge Kavanaugh passes these tests with flying colors.
“Over the next several months Hispanic Federation, its network of member agencies, and its allies in the civil rights movement will work tirelessly to raise awareness of the danger Judge Kavanaugh poses to American freedoms and to press all U.S. Senators to oppose his confirmation. Despite the difficult political process ahead of us, we will not allow this nomination to proceed without a fight. America deserves better than Judge Kavanaugh.”
