Senate Democrats urge Biden to nominate a Supreme Court candidate after Justice Breyer announces retirement

Senate Democrats on Wednesday urged President Joe Biden to move swiftly to nominate a replacement for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer after the 83-year-old jurist said he plans to step down at the end of the current term. Biden is expected to meet Thursday with Senate leaders to discuss the forthcoming vacancy, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) plans to confer with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on how to proceed. He’s also expected to huddle with Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), who have been critical of certain Biden nominees. Democrats want to move quickly on the forthcoming Supreme Court vacancy to beat the midterm elections, when Senate control could shift. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said he wants a confirmation vote completed before the August recess, if possible. This report includes information from the Associated Press.