BOSTON (WHDH) - Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation and other lawmakers with ties to Massachusetts weighed in Friday on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.)
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneer in the fight for equal rights and a role model to young women across the country. She was a trailblazer from beginning to end.
She was brilliant, thoughtful, and a staunch advocate for freedom of speech, reproductive rights, and civil rights. She was the embodiment of true justice and what every jurist strives to become.
More than 25 years ago, Ruth Bader Ginsburg had her confirmation hearing in the United States Senate. Under questioning about Roe Versus Wade, Justice Ginsburg gave this succinct and infallible answer: “The state controlling the woman is both denying her full autonomy and full equality with men.”
That is what is at stake right now.
Over the next six weeks, we must fight for Justice Ginsberg’s legacy. We must mobilize, organize, and remove Donald Trump from office to ensure that her service to our country and her commitment to justice and equality are never lost or forgotten.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell set the precedent in 2016 when he said no Supreme Court vacancies should be filled in a presidential election year. If he violates his own principle, when Democrats control the Senate in the next Congress, we must abolish the filibuster and expand the Supreme Court. In addition to the precedent set by Mitch McConnell in 2016, we hope that the GOP honors Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s final wishes.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D- Mass.)
As a young mom heading off to Rutgers law school, I saw so few examples of female lawyers or law professors. But Ruthie blazed the trail. I’m forever grateful for her example — to me, and to millions of young women who saw her as a role model.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 19, 2020
With voting already underway for the 2020 elections, Ruthie’s “most fervent wish” was for her replacement not to be named “until a new president is installed.” We must honor her wish.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 19, 2020
Attorney General Maura Healey:
“What is there to say that hasn’t been already said about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg? This loss is devastating not just because a brilliant trailblazing woman is gone, but because of everything she represents. For so many Americans, she was their freedom personified. Justice Ginsburg once said, ‘one lives not just for oneself, but for one’s community,’ and that’s how she lived her own life, dedicating much of her career to women’s rights, workers’ rights, civil rights, and justice under the law. We all owe this legal giant a debt of gratitude. May her memory be a blessing. Tomorrow we fight in her honor.”
Mass. Governor Charles Baker:
Her incredible career and life’s work bettered our nation and serve as an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace, you will be missed.
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) September 19, 2020
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.)
“Throughout her life, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a tireless and unapologetic champion for women, families, and our most vulnerable communities. While she was 5’1” in stature, she stood as a giant for justice and equality. From her groundbreaking work to end legal discrimination on the basis of sex, to her trailblazing 27-year tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg played a central role in advancing critical ideals including pay equity, reproductive freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights. She was deliberate in her craft, and we are all better off because of her unwavering commitment to creating a more just world.
“As we mourn the tremendous loss of her passing, one thing is clear: we must honor Justice Ginsburg’s last wish and ensure that no replacement is appointed until a new president is installed in January. Any attempt by the GOP to push through a rushed appointment process when we are weeks away from a Presidential election would be a calloused affront to her notorious legacy.
“To honor Justice Ginsburg and protect our Democracy, we will turn our collective grief into action.
“Tonight, I’ll be holding Justice Ginsburg, her family, and all those who loved her in my prayers. May she rest. In peace, in power, with dignity.”
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.)
“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death is a profound loss for America. Few people have been as impactful in advancing and protecting the rights of their fellow citizens as Justice Ginsburg. She never stopped fighting to better our nation, and in this dark era we should look to her legacy for hope.
Justice Ginsburg’s dying wish was that she not be replaced until a new president is installed. Senator McConnell should follow the precedent he set when he denied the appointment of Merrick Garland and refrain from confirming a new justice until after the election.”
Rep. William Keating (D-Mass.)
“I’m profoundly saddened by the loss of Justice Ginsburg. This diminutive woman in height was truly a giant, a Justice for the ages. She bridged the gap between young and old. She bridged the gap within the Court from discord to civility. For equality for women, equality for LGBTQ Americans, equality for us all – she set a standard for fairness and equal rights under the law.”
Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.)
“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an institution.”
“She lived her life in service to the American people – never settling for anything less than full equality, freedom, and justice under the law. Her decisions on the court changed our nation for the better and have impacted each of our lives.”
“Justice Ginsburg will be sorely missed by her loved ones, her colleagues, and her fellow Americans. Rest in eternal power, RBG.”
Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.):
Sad news this evening hearing of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A true trailblazer. Our country will forever be indebted to her and the inroads she made for every woman, young girl, and person in our great nation. https://t.co/arpTdzMYRJ
— Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) September 18, 2020
Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.):
“I am profoundly grateful for the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a hero for women and a warrior for justice.
As a student, mother and litigator, she faced and overcame discrimination, then made the fight to end inequality her life’s work. Her distinguished 27 year career on the Supreme Court was defined by a simple, intrinsic truth: women and men are equal. With this as her North Star, she redefined workplace rights, reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and health care access. She changed America and guided our progress in becoming a more perfect union.
Generations of people have been liberated by her work and inspired by her tenacity and intellect.
As we mourn the loss of Justice Ginsburg and celebrate her life, we must also honor her “most fervent wish” to be replaced after the next president takes office. Justice Ginsburg always worked for fairness, and the American people deserve the opportunity to select our next president before a new justice is appointed.
I send my prayers and gratitude to the Ginsburg family for sharing her incredible life with us.
Today, America grieves an icon for equality. Tomorrow, we continue her fight.”
Profoundly grateful for the life and legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
A hero for women and a hero for justice.
Rest in Power, #RBG. https://t.co/ZQA3p5q9Vj
— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) September 18, 2020
Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.):
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the strongest forces this country has known.
She gave everything she had to the cause of justice for all.
Grateful to the family and friends who shared her with us for a lifetime. Keeping them — and this country — in our prayers tonight.
— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) September 18, 2020
Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh:
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was many things to the American people. A brilliant jurist. A fearless trailblazer. A tireless champion of justice & equality who exemplified grace & strength. She made this country a better place for all.
May she rest in eternal peace. God bless RBG.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) September 19, 2020
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins:
“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the most influential people of our lifetime. She drove the legal battle against gender-based discrimination and helped move our nation significantly forward. She has been called a liberal icon, but every American, regardless of their political beliefs, has Justice Ginsburg to thank for pushing our nation closer to fulfilling the promises our Constitution holds.”
“Justice Ginsburg was a groundbreaker who embodied the same courage in her private life as she did on the bench. As a cancer survivor, I have found great hope and strength in Justice Ginsburg’s multiple recoveries from cancers that threatened her throughout her time on the Supreme Court. Her strength was undeniable, her bravery and influence unmatched.”
“I’m deeply grateful to Justice Ginsburg for her dedication to creating a more equal society. She represented the very best of what it means to serve. Her profound understanding of the law, her passion for this vital work, and her determination to achieve our nation’s unmet promises will impact us all for generations. We have lost a national hero. Now the fight becomes even more urgent for those of us that remain. May her memory be a revolution.”
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
“It’s with tremendous sadness that I learned of the passing of Justice Ginsburg,” said Shaheen. “America has lost its greatest champion of women’s rights in a generation. Her legacy will live on through the many freedoms that women enjoy throughout our society. She will forever be known for her profound strength, unparalleled intellect and uncompromising values. Throughout her time on the Court, she fought tirelessly for equality for all races, creeds and gender identities. America is a better nation because of her service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ginsburg family.”
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