DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement after President Trump announced Judge Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court:

“Judge Kavanaugh should not be allowed anywhere near our nation’s highest bench. Let’s be clear: a vote for Kavanaugh would be a vote to rip health care from American families and deny women their constitutional right to make their own health care decisions.

“We know exactly why Kavanaugh was chosen. President Trump himself said that overturning Roe v. Wade and gutting the Affordable Care Act would be litmus tests for his Supreme Court nominee, and Kavanaugh fits the script. He’s suggested a future president could refuse to enforce the Affordable Care Act, even if it was upheld by the Supreme Court. And he dissented from a ruling that upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s birth control benefit.

“Majorities of Americans support Roe v. Wade and want to protect the Affordable Care Act. So President Trump and Judge Kavanaugh don’t just stand in opposition to democratic principles, they stand against the American people. If confirmed, Kavanaugh would threaten women’s rights, workers’ rights, civil rights, and voting rights for generations to come. Immigrants, LGBTQ Americans, people of color, and people with disabilities would be pushed further to the margins. And wealthy corporations and polluters would gain yet another powerful protector.

“Our Supreme Court must always protect people’s constitutional rights and serve as a check on the powers of the executive branch. By picking Kavanaugh, who has expressed his disturbing views of presidential power, Trump is attempting to turn our highest judicial institution into a rubber stamp for right-wing Republican ideology. Kavanaugh is unacceptable, and any senator who cares about the rights and dignity of the American people should oppose his confirmation.

“We blocked health care repeal last year because Americans came together, spoke out, and held Republican senators accountable. The only way to stop this nomination now is to fight again. Call your senator and vote in November. Democrats must make our voices heard at the ballot box for the millions of American families who are counting on us.”

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