WATCH LIVE: Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing

Barrett herself will not be at Thursday's hearing; the day is set aside for outside witnesses for and against Barrett. The nominee faced hours of questioning over two days by the committee this week.

Barrett's nomination has become a political lightning rod as Democrats charge that Republicans are rushing it to get Barrett confirmed before the Nov. 3 election. Democrats say the seat should be filled by the next president.

It's also unclear how the coronavirus pandemic will affect the hearings. Two GOP members of the panel, Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have tested positive for the virus.

Democrats, led by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, had demanded that the hearing be postponed "to ensure that we don't risk the health and safety of fellow senators, Senate staff, other Senate employees, as well as Judge Barrett and her family."

But committee chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., vowed to press forward and tweeted, "Any Senator who wants to participate virtually will be allowed to do so." Lee attended in person on Monday.

All members who wish to vote on Barrett's nomination will have to be present, however, when it comes time. The committee is expected to vote on Oct. 22, followed by a full Senate vote.

This post was originally published on Monday at 8 a.m. ET.