Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., commended retiring Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who is almost 90, for his “legendary vigor” and lifelong commitment to public service but he warned that Republicans aren’t necessarily going to rubber stamp President Obama’s nominee to replace him.

“As we await the President’s nominee to replace Justice Stevens at the end of his term, Americans can expect Senate Republicans to make a sustained and vigorous case for judicial restraint and the fundamental importance of an even-handed reading of the law,” McConnell said.