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U.S. senators from Georgia on Neil Gorsuch's nomination

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See also: Supreme Court vacancy, 2017: An overview

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On January 31, 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to succeed Justice Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. Scalia was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court for three decades.[1] President Trump said regarding the nomination,[2]

“

I am proud to announce the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch for Justice of the Supreme Court ... This has been the most transparent and most important Supreme Court selection process in the history of our country and I wanted the American people to have a voice in this nomination. Judge Gorsuch has a superb intellect, an unparalleled legal education, and a commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to its text. He will make an incredible Justice as soon as the Senate confirms him. [3]

”

Confirmation hearings on Gorsuch's nomination before the Senate Judiciary Committee were held from March 20-23, 2017. On April 3, 2017, voting 11-9 on party lines, the Senate Judiciary Committee reported Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the full U.S. Senate. That same day, Senate Democrats announced that they had a sufficient number of votes to sustain a filibuster against the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court. In anticipation of an expected filibuster, Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) indicated that he was prepared to restrict the use of filibusters on Supreme Court nominations, referred to as the nuclear option. The Senate voted on April 6, 2017, to end the use of filibusters on all presidential nominations and proceeded to vote to end debate on the Gorsuch nomination. Gorsuch was confirmed on a recorded 54-45 vote of the Senate on Friday, April 7, 2017, and he received his commission on Monday, April 10, 2017.[4]


HIGHLIGHTS
  • President Donald Trump (R) nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court on January 31, 2017.
  • On January 3, 2017, the first day of the 115th Congress, Republicans held a 52-48 majority in the U.S. Senate.
  • Confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee began on March 20, 2017.



    • U.S. senators from Georgia on Neil Gorsuch's nomination

    Johnny Isakson (R)

    Senator Isakson released the following statement after meeting with Judge Neil Gorsuch on February 15, 2017:[5]

    “

    Judge Gorsuch has received ample praise from across the political spectrum for his judicial temperament and reliance on the text of our Constitution and laws when forming his opinions. I enjoyed our meeting today and believe that Judge Gorsuch will serve with wisdom and distinction, continuing the fine legacy of the man whom he would replace, the late Justice Antonin Scalia. ... I have confidence that Judge Gorsuch’s hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary will be productive, and there is no reason for any delay of the Senate’s consideration of this outstanding nominee. I urge the Senate to move quickly toward a vote on his nomination to fill this critical vacancy. [3]

    		”

    Isakson issued the following statement on January 31, 2017:[6]

    “

    I have consistently said that the next Supreme Court justice should be someone who understands and values the Constitution of the United States of America, who will rule based on the law and who will not legislate through activist judicial decisions ... I know that the president shares this view and based on his previous rulings, Judge Gorsuch shares the late Justice Antonin Scalia’s commitment to starting all constitutional analysis with the actual text of the Constitution. In addition, Judge Gorsuch’s distinguished service on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals provides vital, relevant experience for service on our nation’s highest court.

    As I argued following the untimely death of Justice Scalia last year, the American people deserved to have a voice in the process of selecting our next Supreme Court justice by allowing the next president to select Justice Scalia’s replacement. That day has arrived and the American people have spoken. President Trump’s nominee deserves fair and thorough consideration and an up-or-down vote by the Senate, and I look forward to Judge Gorsuch’s confirmation process. [3]

    		”

    David Perdue (R)

    Senator Perdue released the following statement on February 10, 2017, after meeting with Judge Gorsuch:[7]

    “

    After meeting with Judge Gorsuch, it is abundantly clear that he is a principled jurist who will put the Constitution, and the rights of all Americans, at the forefront of any decision he makes. We discussed our country’s Founding Principles of economic opportunity, fiscal responsibility, limited government, and individual liberty, and how these principles have made our nation exceptional throughout our history. Additionally, Judge Gorsuch has an impeccable academic and legal career that speaks for itself. Throughout our discussion today Judge Gorsuch’s intellect and profound commitment to the rule of law was evident. I have no doubt Judge Gorsuch will be an outstanding associate justice on the United States Supreme Court and he has my utmost support. [3]

    		”

    Perdue issued the following statement on January 31, 2017:[8]

    “

    President Trump promised the American people he would nominate someone to the Supreme Court who is unwavering in their support of the Constitution, and he has kept his word. I applaud President Trump for nominating Judge Gorsuch to be our next Supreme Court Justice. Throughout his career Judge Gorsuch has stood steadfast in his support of our Constitution and the Founding Principles it enshrines: economic opportunity, fiscal responsibility, limited government, and individual liberty. These principles are what make the United States exceptional and each branch of government shares the responsibility for protecting these rights.

    Judge Gorsuch has led a remarkable career both in the private and public sectors and demonstrated a keen understanding and appreciation of the law. He clerked for two Supreme Court Justices, worked at the Department of Justice under President Bush, and has served admirably on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals for the last 10 years. I look forward to confirming Judge Gorsuch and returning to a complete high court. [3]

    		”

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ The New York Times, "Justice Antonin Scalia, Who Led a Conservative Renaissance on the Supreme Court, Is Dead at 79," February 13, 2016
    2. ↑ The White House, "President Donald J. Trump nominates Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court," January 31, 2017
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    4. ↑ Politico, "Gorsuch confirmation hearing set for March 20," February 16, 2017
    5. ↑ Senator Johnny Isakson, "Isakson statement on meeting Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch," February 15, 2017
    6. ↑ Senator Johnny Isakson, "Isakson statement on Supreme Court nominee," January 31, 2017
    7. ↑ Senator David Perdue, "Senator David Perdue Statement On Meeting With Judge Neil Gorsuch," February 10, 2017
    8. ↑ The Chattanoogan, "Perdue Praises Trump Pick Of Gorsuch For Supreme Court; Alexander Says Senate Should Carefully Consider Selection; Corker Says He Has Impressive Background," January 31, 2017
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