Amy Coney Barrett has been sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice

The Supreme Court vacancy is filled!

Justice Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed by the Senate on a party line vote last night. The “yeas” were 52 and the “nays” 48.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine was the only member to cross party lines.

Following her swearing in, Justice Barrett gave her perspective on this important undertaking: “A judge declares independence, not only from Congress and the President, but also from the private beliefs that might otherwise move her. The judicial oath captures the essence of the judicial duty, the rule of law must always control.”

The case against the Affordable Care Act will likely be one of Justice Barrett’s first assignments. In a recent DTN Progressive Farmer poll, healthcare was the second-most important issue facing rural America.