LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas's two senators said they will vote against confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the United State Supreme Court.
Jackson, who is expected to be confirmed later this week, would be the third Black justice on the court and only the sixth women since it was established in 1789.
U.S. Senator John Boozman said that while he appreciated Jackson's "willingness to serve our nation," he was concerned by what he called her "judicial activism" and "legislating from the bench."
"I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with her and believe she was afforded a fair, respectful nomination process," Boozman said, "but I will not be voting to confirm her to our nation's highest court."
Sen. Tom Cotton, Arkansas's other senator, has been more vocal in his opposition to Judge Jackson as he serves on the Senate judiciary committee.
"As a trial judge, Judge Jackson could only give the benefit of the doubt to one criminal at a time. As a Supreme Court justice, she would be able to give the benefit of the doubt nationwide in all cases," Cotton said on Monday.
Then on Tuesday, Cotton furthered his comments claiming Jackson would "twist or ignore the law to reach the result that she wants." He then announced he would vote against her confirmation.
The committee was deadlocked between party lines as they voted on whether to send Jackson's nomination to the Senate floor. Democrats plan to take some "procedural steps" to have the Senate vote on the nomination.
President Joe Biden said Jackson "will bring extraordinary qualifications, deep experience and intellect, and a rigorous judicial record to the Supreme Court" if she is confirmed.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.