Grassley sets up Barrett for Democrats’ attacks
Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, in his opening statement, quoted from Justice Ginsburg’s eulogy for Justice Scalia in a likely short-lived attempt to appeal to bipartisanship ahead of what will be a contentious week.
“The Senate is now tasked with carrying out perhaps its most solemn duty under the Constitution, as we go through this process, we should heed Justice Ginsburg's words with a shared reverence for the Court, and its part of our constitutional system,” he said.
Gearing up for Democratic attacks, Grassley then said he expects his colleagues will do “anything to derail the confirmation of a Republican nominee" and cautioned them not to allow this hearing to unfold as Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s did.
Expecting her Catholic faith to come up in the hearing, Grassley also reminded everyone of Barrett's rights.
“Let me remind everyone that Article One clearly prohibits religious tests for serving in public office,” Grassley continued. “I expect that you will follow the example of Justice Ginsburg, a nominee should offer no forecast, no hints of how he or she will vote, because that's the role of a judge,” he said, in an apparent reference to the so-called “Ginsburg Rule” con concerning what nominees can say at confirmation hearings.
![](https://s.abcnews.com/images/Politics/supporters-barrett-gty-ps-201012_1602509483160_hpMain.jpg)