Statement on Justice Kennedy Retirement

Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), released the below statement:

"While we did not agree on every issue, I appreciated Justice Kennedy's historic role advancing LGBTQ equality and protecting each woman's right to choose. I thank him for his decades of service on the Court and wish him well in retirement.

"The Supreme Court's rulings this month show how high the stakes are filling this lifetime appointment on the bench, and the American people deserve a Justice who will defend their civil rights, voting rights, and health care and reproductive rights.

"Just two years ago, Sen. McConnell said the American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice and delayed a vote on Justice Scalia's replacement until after the 2016 election. Now, with a vacancy announced even closer to the next election, he should follow the same precedent, and hold consideration until a new Senate is seated in 2019."