Who is Brett Kavanaugh?
He has the potential to shape the law’s of America for decades to come. Shouldn’t you know who Brett Kavanaugh is?
Brett Kavanaugh's name has been in news headlines far more than ever before this past week, as he was announced to be President Donald Trump's nominee to replace the retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Kavanaugh, who served as White House Staff Secretary under President George W. Bush, has been operating as a Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals.
There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the nomination of Kavanaugh by President Trump. Many members of Congress are arguing that, due to the ongoing investigation of the Trump campaign, President Trump should not be allowed to nominate a candidate for such a crucial federal position until the investigation has included.
The Senate has yet to approve Kavanaugh as Justice Kennedy's replacement, and there may be a long battle ahead as Democrats attempt to resist the appointment until the conclusion of Robert Mueller's investigation.
Many members of Congress are also concerned about the nomination of Kavanaugh specifically, as the federal judge has a long-established view that a sitting President should not be subject to a criminal investigation.
This viewpoint would immensely benefit President Trump in ridding himself of what he has deemed a "witch hunt."
Senator Cory Booker (D) was especially opposed to the initial nomination of Kavanaugh in a statement he released later that day.
"President Trump is currently a subject of an ongoing criminal investigation, and any nomination of a Supreme Court justice, while that investigation continues, is unacceptable because of the clear conflict of interest inherent in the President installing someone who could be the deciding vote on a number of potential issues from that investigation that could come before the Court," said the New Jersey Senator.
Regardless, it will be important for Americans to become familiar with Kavanaugh, as he may very well end up in one of the most influential positions within our entire government, one that does not have a term limit.
Kavanaugh's early legal career has strong ties to today's Supreme Court. Working as a law clerk, the Yale graduate assisted Judge Walter Stapleton during Planned Parenthood v. Casey, in which many state restrictions on abortion were upheld.
Kavanaugh continued to work for various judges, including Justice Kennedy during his time on the Supreme Court, where he worked as a clerk alongside the newest Supreme Court Justice and high school classmate, Neil Gorsuch.
Later, while working for Ken Starr, Kavanaugh acted as a majority author on the Starr Report, arguing for the indefinite impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton regarding his scandalous activities with Monica Lewinski.
Along with his service as Staff Secretary under President Bush, the recommendation to impeach President Clinton remained as one of Kavanaugh's biggest career highlights until the nomination for Supreme Court Judge was presented to him on July 2.
Since his tenure as Staff Secretary, Kavanaugh has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals, acting as a staunch opponent to pro-choice rulings like Roe v. Wade.
In addition to this, Kavanaugh actively voted against the Affordable Care Act in 2011, comparing the legislation to a "mandated tax."
Now, many Americans are questioning whether or not the laws of the land will remain the same under Kavanaugh.
Thanks to his appointment, the Supreme Court would have a clear conservative majority, which could lead to a ground-swell of change when it comes to life in America.
Only time will tell if Kavanaugh will secure the position, and if he does, the clock will be counting down towards his first major decision.
