With Judge Neil Gorsuch receiving majority support from the Senate Judiciary Committee, his nomination now heads to the Senate floor. But Senate Democrats have made clear that they will attempt an unprecedented partisan filibuster to block his confirmation to the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch has been praised across the political spectrum for his qualifications and temperament, is strongly supported by voters, and has been endorsed by prominent liberals, making it clear that Democrats’ opposition is purely political.
- The American Bar Association unanimously rated Judge Gorsuch “well qualified,” the highest rating given by the organization.
- In 2006, Judge Gorsuch was unanimously confirmed by the Senate to a seat on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, receiving the votes of twelve current Democrat Senators, including Chuck Schumer, Bill Nelson, and Debbie Stabenow, as well as Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, and former Vice President Joe Biden.
- Public opinion is firmly in favor of Judge Gorsuch, with the Morning Consult/Politico and Huffington Post/YouGov polls showing that Americans support Gorsuch’s confirmation by wide margins. Additionally, an NBC News/Survey Monkey poll showed 54% oppose the Democrat filibuster.
- Gorsuch has received support from prominent liberals, including Obama administration Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal.
“Senate Democrats’ plan to filibuster Judge Neil Gorsuch proves just how out of touch they are with the American people,” said NRSC Communications Director Katie Martin. “It is sad and shameful that Senate Democrats have decided to play partisan political games with the Supreme Court by attempting to block a highly qualified, well respected nominee.”
Background:
The American Bar Association Unanimously Gave Judge Gorsuch Its Highest Rating. “The American Bar Association declared Judge Neil Gorsuch “well-qualified” to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, giving President Donald Trump’s pick to succeed the late Antonin Scalia the group’s highest rating. The bar association’s standing committee on the federal judiciary reached its decision unanimously, according to Nancy Scott Degan, the group’s chair.” (Madeline Conway, “Bar association gives Gorsuch its best rating,” Politico, 3/10/17)
Judge Gorsuch Was Confirmed To His Current Seat By A Unanimous Senate Vote. “When he was nominated to serve on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Neil Gorsuch was only 38 years old. But he was confirmed by voice vote — which is to say, unanimously. Twelve of the 48 current Democratic senators were also in the Senate then, and not one of the 12 chose to vote against him.” (David Freddoso, “Gorsuch was confirmed unanimously in 2006,” Washington Examiner, 1/31/17)
Gorsuch Is Supported By Obama Administration Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal. “I have no doubt that if confirmed, Judge Gorsuch would help to restore confidence in the rule of law. His years on the bench reveal a commitment to judicial independence — a record that should give the American people confidence that he will not compromise principle to favor the president who appointed him.” (Neal Katyal, “Op-Ed: Why Liberals Should Back Neil Gorsuch,” The New York Times, 1/31/17)
Morning Consult/Politico Poll – March 24-25, 2017
Huffington Post/YouGov Poll – February 2-3, 2017
NBC News/Survey Monkey Poll – March 30, 2017