Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will formally announce his retirement with President Biden on Thursday. However, Breyer does not plan to leave the court until a new nominee is officially confirmed and becomes a Supreme Court justice, according to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.
This decision to retire was a difficult one to make for Breyer, Blitzer noted. “He’s a relatively healthy 83-year-old. But he realizes … the politics of what’s going on right now. There could be a change in the majority in the United States Senate after the midterm elections. And so this is a good time if the Democrats … could get somebody confirmed to replace him,” he added.
As lawmakers are starting to the news, Democratic lawmakers are calling on Biden to keep his pledge to pick a Black woman to fill the vacant seat after Breyer leaves the bench.
The White House has not released any statements on Biden’s next steps yet but the President said during the campaign trail that he would nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court.
Check some of the reactions to the Breyer news from members of Congress below:
Justice Breyer has led an exemplary & distinguished career in public service. I’m grateful to him for all that he has done for our country.
I support @POTUS’s pledge to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. The Court should reflect the diversity of our country.
— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) January 26, 2022
It’s time to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court. https://t.co/J3xewqVKv9
— Rep Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) January 26, 2022
I'm grateful to Justice Breyer for his years of service on the Supreme Court, and congratulate him on his retirement. Now, it's time for @POTUS to make good on his promise and nominate a Black woman to the highest court in the land.
— Rep. Andy Levin (@RepAndyLevin) January 26, 2022
This is your reminder that President Biden promised to appoint the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.
It's long overdue. Let's get it done. https://t.co/uxR6ZKl9XL
— Marie Newman (@Marie4Congress) January 26, 2022
We can now have a Black woman on the Supreme Court.
— Rep. Gwen Moore (@RepGwenMoore) January 26, 2022
Thrilled that @POTUS will have the chance to make good on his promise to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court.
— Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) January 26, 2022
pledge⬇️https://t.co/L7xSUYwckz
— Brandon Richards (@BrandonRichards) January 26, 2022