Democrats block Neil Gorsuch, set up GOP's 'nuclear option'

Most Senate Democrats voted Thursday to block the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, a move that was expected to prompt Republicans to use the so-called “nuclear option” to confirm Gorsuch by changing the rules of the Senate.

After the failed vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was expected to call a vote that will change the number needed to end debate on a high court nominee, from 60 votes to just 51 votes. That change will allow Republicans by themselves to advance Gorsuch to a final vote, and then confirm him on Friday.