Shaheen Statement on Republican Leadership’s Decision to Change Long-Standing Senate Rules in Order to Confirm Supreme Court Nominee Judge Gorsuch
(Washington, DC)— U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement following Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) actions on the Senate floor to change long-standing Senate rules in order to confirm Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch:
“Judge Gorsuch has an alarming record of putting the interests of large corporations over those of their employees. He also has frequently ruled against women’s reproductive rights and has been extremely evasive on his position on Citizens United, a decision that has dramatically increased the amount of secret money in politics. It’s very disappointing that Republican leadership is changing the rules to approve his nomination and again, resorting to unprecedented tactics to shape the Supreme Court. I’m committed to upholding the Constitution’s instruction to advise and consent on Supreme Court nominations. Rather than changing this long-standing Senate rule, Republican leadership should urge President Trump to put forward a nominee who has a track record of treating women and workers even handedly in our legal system, and who would be approved with a strong bipartisan vote,” Shaheen said.
Senator Maggie Hassan Statement on Senate Republicans Changing the Rules for Supreme Court Nominees
WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan released the following statement after Senate Republicans invoked the “nuclear option” and removed the 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees:
“I am disappointed that instead of urging President Trump to nominate a more mainstream nominee, Senate Republicans decided to change the rules for confirming Supreme Court Justices. Supreme Court decisions affect millions of Americans, and it is critical that justices are committed to protecting the rights of each and every American citizen, not just big corporations. Nominees should be able to clear a 60-vote threshold.
“Despite the fact that Senate Republicans have chosen to unilaterally change the rules of the road, I continue to stand ready to work across party lines on bipartisan solutions and urge them to do the same.”