Highlights from Senate vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson

Noting she has almost a decade of experience on the bench, Jackson said she approaches the law with a "careful adherence to precedent" and joked that her opinions "tend to be on the long side...because I also believe in transparency -- that people should know precisely what I think and the basis for my decision."

"I decide cases from a neutral posture. I evaluate the facts, and I interpret and apply the law to the facts of the case before me, without fear or favor," she said. "I know that my role as a judge is a limited one. But the Constitution empowers me only to decide cases that are properly presented."

Jackson continued, "All of my professional experiences, including my work as a public defender and a trial judge have instilled in me the importance of having each litigant know that the judge in the case has heard them, whether or not their arguments prevail in court."

Wrapping up her opening statement and the first time she’s spoken formally before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jackson acknowledged those who came before her.

"I stand on the shoulders of so many who have come before me, including Judge Constance Baker Motley, who was the first African American woman to be appointed to the federal bench and with whom I share a birthday," Jackson said. "And like Judge Motley, I have dedicated my career to ensuring that the words engraved on the front of the Supreme Court building 'equal justice under law' are a reality and not just an idea."

"Thank you for this historic chance to join the highest court to work with brilliant colleagues to inspire future generations -- and to ensure liberty and justice for all," she said in closing.

Jackson will face marathon questioning round from senators on Tuesday and Wednesday, ahead of the American Bar Association and outside witnesses speaking to her qualifications on Thursday.

Jackson in her opening remarks honored Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who she clerked for and whose seat she would fill if confirmed.

She said, "I know that I could never fill his shoes. But if confirmed, I would hope to carry on his spirit."

She quoted something Breyer said on the day of his own nomination to the Supreme Court: "What is law supposed to do, seen as a whole? It is supposed to allow all people -- all people -- to live together in a society, where they have so many different views, so many different needs, to live together in a way that is more harmonious, that is better, so that they can work productively together.”

Jackson vowed, "If I am confirmed, I commit to you that I will work productively to support and defend the Constitution and the grand experiment of American democracy that has endured over these past 246 years."

After thanking her parents, siblings, husband and in-laws for being in the hearing room to support her, Jackson reserved a "special moment" in her introduction to thank her daughters, Talia, 21, and Leila, 17.

"Girls, I know it has not been easy as I have tried to navigate the challenges of juggling my career and motherhood. And I fully admit that I did not always get the balance right, but I hope that you have seen that with hard work, determination and love, it can be done," she said.

"I am so looking forward to seeing what each of you chooses to do with your amazing lives in this incredible country. I love you so much," Jackson added.

Jackson's husband, Patrick, a general surgeon, was seen wiping away tears in the chamber as Jackson spoke.

Ketanji Brown Jackson in her opening remarks said she wanted to "reaffirm my thanks to God, for it is faith that sustains me at this moment. Even prior to today, I can honestly say that my life had been blessed beyond measure."

With her parents looking on, Jackson addressed how her parents "experienced lawful racial segregation first-hand" and moved from Miami to Washington, D.C. before she was born.

"My parents taught me that, unlike the many barriers that they had had to face growing up, my path was clearer, such that if I worked hard and believed in myself, in America I could do anything or be anything I wanted to be," she said. "Like so many families in this country, they worked long hours and sacrificed to provide their children every opportunity to reach their God-given potential. My parents have been married for 54 years, and they are here with me today; I cannot possibly thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me."