Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), one of President Trump’s most outspoken critics, says he will vote for Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be confirmed to the Supreme Court.
Romney, who was the only Republican senator to vote to convict Trump on an article of impeachment in February, praised Barrett on Thursday, calling her “impressive” and “exceptionally well qualified.”
“After meeting with Judge Barrett and carefully reviewing her record and her testimony, I intend to vote in favor of her confirmation to the Supreme Court,” he said in a statement. “I am confident that she will faithfully apply the law and our Constitution, impartially and regardless of policy preferences.”
Romney’s announcement is further evidence that Barrett will have more than 50 Republican votes on the floor after her nomination is advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Oct. 22.
So far, only Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who is up for reelection in a state that voted for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016, has said she will oppose Barrett’s nomination.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who said the confirmation process should have waited until 2021, when the results of the presidential election and future control of the Senate would be known, has not ruled out voting for Barrett.
The Senate is expected to hold a final confirmation vote for Barrett the week of Oct. 26.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told reporters in Kentucky on Thursday morning: “We have the votes.”
Senate Republicans control 53 seats and can afford three defections since Vice President Pence would break a 50-50 tie. All 47 senators in the Senate Democratic caucus are expected to vote against Barrett.