Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) praised the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, calling her death Friday “devastating.”
“Justice Ginsburg embodied justice, brilliance and goodness, and her passing is an incalculable loss for our democracy and for all who sacrifice and strive to build a better future for our children,” she said in a statement.
Pelosi noted Ginsburg’s rise in her legal career to securing a spot as just the second woman to be confirmed to the Supreme Court, including her advocacy for gender equality.
“Her tireless advocacy in the fight for gender equality, whether working at the ACLU, arguing cases before the Supreme Court or authoring thoughtful and historic opinions and dissents as an Associate Justice, leaves an enduring legacy of progress for all women. Her opinions have unequivocally cemented the precedent that all men and women are created equal,” she said.
Ginsburg’s death sets off a partisan battle over her potential replacement, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) saying the Senate will consider a nominee from President Trump and Democrats urging that no pick be considered until after the election.
Pelosi did not weigh in on whether a pick to fill the new Supreme Court vacancy should be considered, but did say whoever replaces Ginsburg should share the same values the liberal justice espoused during her time on the high court.
“We must honor Justice Ginsburg’s trailblazing career and safeguard her powerful legacy by ensuring that the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court upholds her commitment to equality, opportunity and justice for all. May it be a source of comfort to her children, Jane and James, her grandchildren Paul, Clara, Miranda and Abigail, and loved ones that so many people around the world mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time,” she said.
Ginsburg died Friday due to complications of metastatic pancreas cancer at the age of 87. She served on the Supreme Court for over 27 years.