WASHINGTON: The Senate has confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, an African-American woman, to serve on the Supreme Court's nine-member bench for the first time in the apex court's 233-year history. The confirmation reportedly came after a 53-47 vote on Thursday.

Only three Republicans joined the Democrats and independents in backing Jackson, who is 51 years old. She has served on the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the nation's second most powerful court, since June 2021.

Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden in February to succeed liberal Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who will retire this summer. After Breyer leaves the post, Jackson will be sworn in.

On Thursday afternoon, Biden and Jackson watched the Senate vote from the Roosevelt Room of the White House, which was mostly along party lines. "Judge Jackson's confirmation was a historic moment for our country," Biden tweeted alongside a photo of himself and the judge taking a selfie.

"We've taken another step toward ensuring that our highest court reflects America's diversity," he said. "It was an honour to share this occasion with her, as she will be an amazing Justice." The White House has planned a celebration of the confirmation on Friday.

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