WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy from the United States Supreme Court:

“I thank Justice Kennedy for his honorable and distinguished service. 

“Justice Kennedy was a pivotal swing vote on the Supreme Court for the last three decades when it came to women’s health, LGBT rights, civil liberties, and a number of other important issues where the American people want even-handed and thoughtful decisions.

“Americans deserve a fair, impartial jurist who will uphold our civil rights and liberties and is committed to equal justice for all.  The next Justice to serve should be someone with Justice Kennedy’s integrity and independence, not another political ideologue.”

“Our Republican colleagues appear to be taking the hypocritical step of rejecting their own precedent about considering a Supreme Court nominee in an election year.  If they try to rush this nominee through they will also be conveniently ignoring the serious investigation into Russia’s pro-Trump campaign interference in our democracy.  My focus will be ensuring the Senate takes its time to get this right and fighting any nominee who wants to move America backwards and thinks money and power are always right.”