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Senate Judiciary deadlocks on Judge Jackson's Supreme Court nomination

Ketanji Brown Jackson
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Judiciary Committee deadlocked on a vote to move Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court nomination to the full senate.

In a widely expected vote, 11 Democrats voted to move Jackson's nomination forward and 11 Republicans voted against the nomination.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will have to clear procedural hurdles to get the nomination out of the committee. It's expected that will happen as early as Monday night.

Monday's vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee was delayed for hours after Sen. Alex Padilla's flight was delayed due to a medical emergency.

Once Jackson's nomination reaches the floor of the Senate, which is expected, she will have the support of at least one Republican senator.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is the only Republican who has said she will support Jackson.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has said he will oppose Jackson’s confirmation, saying she was too lenient in sentencing.

Graham had previously supported Jackson for her current position.

Republicans have said Jackson has a history of being soft on crime and lenient toward criminal offenders in their sentencing, particularly those involving child pornography cases.

They have also focused on Jackson not answering the question when asked to define what a woman is during her confirmation hearing in March.

On the other hand, Democrats have talked about what a historic moment this vote is for the U.S., with Senator Amy Klobuchar saying, the judge "is truly an inspiration to young Black girls."

On Monday, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona tweeted, expressing his support for Jackson.

"After meeting with Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, it is clear that she has achieved incredible success throughout her legal career while demonstrating a commitment to ensuring all Americans have a fair shot at justice."

If confirmed, Jackson will become the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.