Breyer was first appointed to the court in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. He secured confirmation in the Democrat-controlled Senate by an 87-to-nine vote. Experts say the timing of Breyer’s resignation will give Joe Biden an opportunity to replace him while Democrats still control the Senate.
“And Justice Breyer didn’t retire last term and is deciding to retire now while the Democrats still have control of the Senate,” said Mark Sherman, a Supreme Court reporter for the Associated Press. “I think that’s the key point that Biden should be able to name his successor without too much trouble.”
Among Breyer’s most notable opinions from the bench include supporting expansion of abortion and upholding the Affordable Care Act.
