News

Republicans invoke ‘nuclear option’ to move Neil Gorsuch nomination

By Susan Ferrechio
Published April 6, 2017 4:02pm ET
Add Washington Examiner on Google
Republicans invoke ‘nuclear option’ to move Neil Gorsuch nomination
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell led the GOP majority to change Senate rules and lower the vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees from 60 votes to a simple majority in order to advance Neil Gorsuch to a confirmation vote. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) | J. Scott Applewhite

Senate Republicans on Thursday defied Democrats and delivered a big win for President Trump, by voting to change Senate precedent in order to allow the confirmation of Trump’s Supreme Court pick.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., invoked the so-called “nuclear option” after warning for weeks that he would take that step if Democrats chose to vote down Trump’s pick, Judge Neil Gorsuch. Democrats did just that shortly before noon on Thursday, which prompted McConnell to start the process of changing the process for Supreme Court picks.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Tag:

Congress Democratic Party Law Minusextra Mitch McConnell Neil Gorsuch Nuclear Option Republican Party Supreme Court Susan Ferrechio