WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
“I am stunned, devastated, and crushed by the news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing. This is an unfathomable loss for our country.
“Ruth Bader Ginsburg will go down in the history books as a hero who made a profound impact on gender equality in our nation, both through her trailblazing legal advocacy and her tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court. She will also be remembered as an unwavering champion for justice, especially for the rights and interests of those too often forgotten or marginalized by society. When the Court made decisions that prioritized the interests of the privileged and powerful at the expense of others, Justice Ginsburg stood strong as the moral conscience of the Court. Her powerful words fighting against political corruption, racial injustice, and attacks on women’s health and autonomy will continue to reverberate throughout America. I have no doubt that her work will inspire many more champions for justice for decades to come.
“Justice Ginsburg herself had expressed that it was her ‘most fervent wish’ not to be replaced on the Court during this presidential term. Since my Republican colleagues have also been adamant that a vacant Supreme Court seat should not be filled in a presidential election year, I look forward to the American people making their voices heard before a replacement is selected.
“Thank you, Justice Ginsburg, for a lifetime of service to building a better America. It is impossible to express how much we will miss you.”