Three things for October 26
1. Senate moves to make final vote on Amy Coney Barrett
On Sunday, the Senate voted to advance the final confirmation for Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.
With just eight days before the election, the decision to move forward with Barrett’s confirmation has received backlash from the Democratic party while simultaneously receiving approval from Republicans.
“The Senate is doing the right thing,” said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “We're moving this nomination forward, and colleagues, by tomorrow night, we'll have a new member of the United States Supreme Court.”
The final vote will take place Monday night.
2. First Black American cardinal named by Pope Francis
Archbishop of Washington, D.C. Wilton Gregory was announced as one of 13 new cardinals on Sunday, making him the first Black American cardinal.
"By naming Archbishop Wilton Gregory as a Cardinal, Pope Francis is sending a powerful message of hope and inclusion to the Church in the United States," Archbishop José H. Gomez, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in an official statement on Sunday.
According to CBS, Gregory has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community in the church, an advocate for immigration reform and a commissioner of a climate action plan to protect the environment.
Pope Francis said that the official ceremony will take place on Nov. 28.
3. Five of Pence’s aides test positive for coronavirus
Members of Vice President Mike Pence’s staff have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Along with three other aides, Pence’s chief of staff Marc Short and senior political adviser Marty Obst were among the positive cases.
Both Pence and his wife have tested negative, and Pence plans to be present for the final hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Monday evening.
“Vice President Pence and Mrs. Pence both tested negative for COVID-19 today, and remain in good health,” vice presidential spokesman Devin O'Malley said in the statement. “While Vice President Pence is considered a close contact with Mr. Short, in consultation with the White House Medical Unit, the Vice President will maintain his schedule in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel.”
