Senate Democrats speak all night on Senate floor as Barrett confirmation edges closer to Monday night vote

Debate raged overnight on the Senate floor as Democrats protested the fact Republicans are moving ahead with the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, voting Sunday afternoon to limit debate on the judge and setting up a final confirmation vote on Monday.

"Senate Democrats are taking over the floor all night to fight this sham process by Senate Republicans," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Sunday evening. "We will not stop fighting."

The vote to limit debate on the Barrett nomination -- also called a "cloture" vote -- limited debate on the Supreme Court nominee to 30 hours on the Senate floor. The nomination was moved forward on a 51-48 vote, with Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, the only Republicans voting against it.

Because the vote happened in a rare Sunday afternoon meeting of the Senate and the Senate floor was held open all night -- also a rare occurrence -- a vote on Barrett's confirmation is almost certain to happen Monday evening, after that 30 hours has elapsed.

Barrett will likely be sworn in as a Supreme Court justice before the end of the day.

"This is something to really be proud of and feel good about. We made an important contribution to the future of this country," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said as the Senate advanced Barrett for confirmation for a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court. "A lot of what we've done over the last four years will be undone sooner or later by the next election ... They won't be able to do much about this for a long time to come."

McConnell also praised Barrett's qualifications and accomplishments, and slammed Democrats for their opposition to the nominee who was rated "Well Qualified" for a Supreme Court seat by the American Bar Association (ABA). She earned glowing endorsements from her colleagues, including the words "brilliant," "forthright," and "intellectual giant."