Updated 12:18 p.m.
It's an honor bestowed to the nation's "most distinguished citizens." The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lay in state at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, the first woman in American history so honored at the domed building.
Presidential nominee Joe Biden arrived at the Capitol and running-mate Kamala Harris also attended. Harris said Ginsburg “absolutely” and intentionally cleared a path for women like her in public life. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi welcomed Ginsburg's casket and invited guests to a brief ceremony marked by “profound sorrow.”
The justice died last week at 87. Mourners had paid tribute as her casket was on public display at the court's steps before it made the short trip across the street to the Capitol.
Ginsburg’s death has sparked a potential fight over the balance of the court just weeks before the 2020 election. President Donald Trump is expected to name a replacement on Saturday.
Despite Democratic cries of hypocrisy, GOP Senate leaders hope the battle over the open court seat will help them keep not only their majority but Trump’s job in the White House. The effort is also seen as achieving a generational priority for the GOP — a solid high court majority for years to come. Another calculation that makes it worth the possible political risk.
