Retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will be at the White House on Thursday when President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his decision to step down after more than 27 years on the high court.
Biden’s speech is set for 12:30 p.m., the White House said late Thursday morning.
Breyer, who has yet to issue an official statement since his retirement was first reported a day earlier, will attend the president’s speech, according to the schedule.
Breyer, at 83 the oldest member of the court, is one of three liberal justices on the nine-seat bench. The court’s conservative majority, which includes three members nominated by former President Donald Trump, has shown a willingness to flex its power in a growing list of divisive cultural issues, including abortion, guns, religion and race.
Breyer’s retirement at the end of the court’s current term gives Democrats a crucial opportunity to replace one liberal justice with another before the midterm elections, when Republicans hope to regain the Senate majority.
It also gives Biden a chance to fulfill his campaign promise to nominate a Black woman to the bench.
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
