The United States Supreme Court starts a new term today, and while some significant cases are pending it is still unknown what lies ahead following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

"I've been a leader on getting conservative judges on the Supreme Court, and the best is yet to come," says Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Senate Republicans are trying to quickly confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett as the successor for Justice Ginsburg.

In an email obtained by CNN, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told his Republican colleagues he needs all of them back on Oct. 19 to ensure a quorum. However, COVID-19 is a factor.

 "Think about the health risks involved here.  I mean Dianne Feinstein, the ranking Democrat, is 87 years old. Chuck Grassley, who is on the Judiciary Committee, is also in his mid-80s," says Jeffrey Tobin, CNN chief legal analyst. Several senators, including Republicans Thom Tillis, Ron Johnson and Mike Lee, have recently tested positive for the virus. Democrats are calling on McConnell to put the process on hold.

"Even though he has said it's not safe for the Senate to meet in session, but it's OK to have the hearings,” says Sen. Chuck Schumer. However, some Republicans say things can move forward.

"I've got a job to do and I'm pressing on," says Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Some analysts say work on the hill presents risks. "There is COVID-19 swirling through the United States Senate, and they are expecting these senators to sit right next to each other, hour after hour, day after day," says Tobin.

Among the issues the Supreme Court is scheduled to take up this term while working remotely, the Affordable Care Act and religious liberty.