Bill Text: MI HR0240 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge President Biden to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 18-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-03-01 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [HR0240 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0240-Introduced.html
house resolution no.240
Reps. Yancey, Brenda Carter, Bolden, Neeley, Scott, Young, Brabec, Tyrone Carter, O'Neal, Whitsett and Anthony offered the following resolution:
Whereas, The Supreme Court of the United States is a cornerstone of American democracy and is of paramount importance to the people of this country. As the highest tribunal of the nation, the Court functions as the guardian and interpreter of the U.S. Constitution, and ensures the promise of equal justice under the law for all Americans; and
Whereas, The justices of the Supreme Court act as neutral arbiters of the law. They are entrusted with the critical task of providing an impartial constitutional analysis that is free from political interference; and
Whereas, In order to effectuate true impartiality, it is vital that the Supreme Court reflect the American population that it serves. Diversity is key to maintaining the overall neutrality of the institution. Individuals on the Court are inevitably influenced by their life experience, and it is essential that no one group of Americans is disproportionately represented on the Court; and
Whereas, In the 233 years of the Supreme Court’s existence, the overwhelming majority of justices – 94 percent – have been white men. For centuries, systematic racism and sexism have deprived millions of Americans the opportunity to serve on the Supreme Court. As a result, the majority of this country’s constitutional jurisprudence has been dominated by the interpretations and analyses of only one group of Americans – a group that is highly invested in maintaining a system that affords them power and control over others; and
Whereas, While women remain underrepresented on the Court throughout history, the absence of Black women serving on the Supreme Court is particularly disturbing. Black women have made extraordinary contributions to our country since its founding, and remain the backbone in the fight for justice and equality. The progress that has been achieved, both within and outside the legal system, has been due to the incredible grassroots organizing efforts led largely by Black women. In addition, Black women have fought against decades of oppressive laws and policies to occupy space in the legal profession, which has fostered an impressive list of extremely qualified candidates for the Supreme Court; and
Whereas, During his presidential campaign, President Biden pledged to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court. The retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer gives President Biden the opportunity to fulfill this promise and make diversity a true centerpiece of his legacy; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge President Biden to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court of the United States; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States.
