EXCERPT:
LEAHY: "Now, I do not suggest that Judge Barrett personally desires these consequences or personally desires to devastate the lives of these two Vermonters or our public. But these are nonetheless the consequences of her stated views on the law prevailing in the Supreme Court and if Republicans are successful in filling this vacancy prior to November 10th, then we'll know these views will almost certainly prevail. So that's what's at stake here. That's what weighs heavily on me as we begin these hearings, it also weighs heavily on the minds of Vermonters I represent. I've heard from them often and loudly since Justice Ginsburg's passing. They're scared Judge Barrett, they are scared that your confirmation would rip the limb of the very healthcare protections for millions of Americans have fought to maintain and which Congress has repeatedly rejected. They are scared that the clock will be turned back to a time when women had no right to control their own bodies and when it was acceptable to discriminate against women in the workplace. They're scared that a time when we're facing the perilous impacts of climate change, bedrock environmental protections are going to be eviscerated. And they are scared that your confirmation will result in the rolling back of voting rights, workers rights, and the rights of the LGBTQ community to equal treatment. These aren't just thoughts, these are real life implications on decisions made by the court.”