Joint Center Commends the Appointment of Senator Kamala Harris and Senator Cory Booker to the Senate Judiciary Committee

This afternoon, the Senate Judiciary Committee announced that Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will replace former Senator Franken as members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senators Harris and Booker will be the second and third African American Senators to join the committee, following former Senator Carol Moseley Braun, according to the Senate Historical Office.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has an oversight role over the of the Department of Justice and the agencies under the Department's jurisdiction, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as components of the Department of Homeland Security. The committee considers legislation that touches on a variety of issues, from immigration to criminal justice, to intellectual property. Senate Judiciary Committee members play a key role in considering Supreme Court nominations, appellate court nominations, and district court nominations.

The following is a statement by Spencer Overton, President of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

"The appointment of Senator Harris and Booker to the Senate Judiciary Committee is another important step in the movement to create a more representative Senate and will have a meaningful impact on how policy is considered. Senators Harris and Booker are thoughtful and passionate advocates for Americans and will have an impact on this important committee.”

Click here for the Joint Center’s full statement and key resources.