
Ketanji Brown Jackson has been named the first Black woman to serve as a Justice for the United States Supreme Court after the Senate voted to confirm her nomination 53 to 47 on Thursday.
Jackson only needed 51 votes to be approved to the high court and did so with 53.
Jackson began her nomination process in March and was passed along to the full body of the Senate after a brief stall in the process.
On Thursday, the final vote came after a 53 to 47 vote was held to stop an 11-11 deadlock at the judiciary committee that held up Judge Jackson from moving on.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke before the final vote, saying that Jackson's nomination was a big step for the country.
"This is a wonderful day, a joyous day, and an inspiring day, for the Senate, for the Supreme Court, and for the United States of America," Schumer said ahead of the vote.
During her Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, Jackson faced fierce questioning from members of the GOP.
Senators Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz both made headlines and sound bites while questioning Jackson's past work as a judge and prosecutor.
Her nomination process was also emotional as she drew tears from Senator Cory Booker, who shared that her nomination meant a lot to him.
"I want to tell you when I look at you, this is why I get emotional," Booker said, speaking to Jackson.
"I'm sorry — you're a person that is so much more than your race and gender."
Booker even took shots at members of the GOP as he said he could not believe their actions during the process.
"You faced insults here that were shocking to me — well, actually not shocking," Booker said. "But you are here because of that kind of love, and nobody is taking that away from me."
The final vote was held up by Senator Rand Paul, who was late to the Senate chambers. Once he arrived, he delivered his vote "no," but it did not matter as Jackson had the votes needed, confirming her as the next Supreme Court Justice.
History has been made as Jackson will take over for retiring Justice Stephen Breyer when his term on the bench expires.
After the reading of the vote by Vice President Kamala Harris the Senate Chambers will filled with thunderous applause.
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