Mr. President , i, many here with an incredibly heavy heart. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a tireless, legendary champion of equality who has shaped our society for the better passed away on friday, first eve of rosh hashanah. Adherents of the jewish faith believe that a person who passes away during the high holidays is a person of a great righteousness. Well, truer words could not be spoken of Justice Ginsburg. Standing at just over five feet tall, she was a giant among thij immoral beacon, whos life and legacy have inspired millions of americans to do their part, to bring about a more perfect and just union. Were all forever indebted to her. Brooklyn born daughter of working class jewish parents, young girl would become just the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Knew from early on, shed have to fight for her place in the world. And what a fighter she was. When she entered Harvard Law School in 1956, just one of nine women in a class of over 500, the United States was truly
This is an institution that rests on the trust and reverence of the American People. Losing that trust and reverence is dangerous is dangerous. Its dangerous for millions of people who will lose the Affordable Care act protections. Its dangerous for the women who could lose their right to choose and all of us who do not want to turn back a half a century of progress. Its dangerous for our economy at a time when American Workers and consumers find themselves at the mercy of corporations that have grown larger and more powerful than at any other time since the gilded age. Its dangerous for the future of our planet and safety of our climate, at a time when the west is burning, seas are rising, and the earth is warming faster than ever before. And, quite frankly, its dangerous for our democracy. We owe the American People a voice and a decision that will shape the course of history for generations. And we owe the memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her seat on the Supreme Court more than jus
You are, a lockdown. A judicial lockdown in washington as well. One of the tea leaves am looking at is strong in, really indicative of the correlated angst we are seeing right now strong yen, really into get of of the correlated angst we are seeing right now. Jonathan in europe, the ftse off by more than 3 . The dax off by 3. 25 . Europe also looking to washington. Let me be clear about that. That has been the conversation throughout the morning here in london. What do the evans over the weekend me for policy and washington, d. C. . The past toward the fisc or agreement much trickier now toward fiscal agreement much trickier now. Point, there was a huge worry on wall street about the period from november after the election went into the end of january. For market participants, they are probably a little more worried about that this morning. Tom not just 40 days away from the election. I think really unspoken in all of this is eight days to the first president ial debate. That has radic
Procedural vote scheduled for 5 30 p. M. Eastern time. Live Senate Coverage here on cspan2. Ck will lead the senate in prayer. The chaplain let us pray. Eternal god who has given us the gift of life, consecrate with your presence the way our lawmakers work today. Since they dont know what a day will bring, help them to strive to serve you in faithfulness each moment. In all things draw their minds to the goal of seeking to please you. As they draw near to you, illuminate their paths with your wisdom and grace. Show them how to unselfishly serve your great purposes for humanity, proving themselves worthy of your manifold blessings. And, lord, as millions mourn Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader ginsburgs death, send the solace of your comfort. We pray in your unifying name. Amen. The presiding officer please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisib
Our next speaker will be one of the justices biographers, professor Wendy Williams of the georgetown law faculty. Professor williams . Ok, i think were having some technical problems. So just for a moment actually, f i could, call on professor bernstein, one of the justices clerks. Professor, youre a member of the georgetown law faculty, director of our Supreme Court institute. I clerked for her on the d. C. Circuit, i didnt get the job in a typical way. In 989, i was working as a staff attorney watching memos for motions and pro se appeals. I was seven years out of law school, living with a 1yearold insomniac. I got a call from r. B. G. s chambers, the judge wanted to speak to me. The judge picked up the phone said she noticed my writing and wanted to know if i wanted to clerk for her. To my eternal mortification i didnt immediately say yes. I said i wasnt sure i could work the hour she is expected of her clerks because i had a young child. What followed was a prolonged silence from t