WASHINGTON – Rep. Tom Emmer released a statement Friday praising the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
“Today is a great day for the United States. I applaud the confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch as the next justice to the highest court of the land,” Emmer said.
Emmer expressed confidence in Gorsuch’s commitment to the rule of law.
“Throughout his career, Gorsuch has proven himself as an incredible intellect who will be steadfast in his commitment to this great nation and the rule of law. For this reason, it is no surprise that the American Bar Association awarded Gorsuch its highest rating,” he said.
The American Bar Association (ABA) evaluated Gorsuch’s record and determined he was “well qualified” for the job.
Even with the vote of confidence from the ABA, Senate Democrats struggled to get behind the nominee. Many still express resentment for the way Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell handled President Obama’s appointee Judge Merrick Garland.
Following Justice Antonin Scalia’s death, McConnell and other Senate Republicans stood by their believe that a Supreme Court justice should not be appointed by an outgoing president during an election year. Rather, they believed the people should have a say in who fills the empty seat.
Judge Merrick Garland was never given a confirmation hearing.
Because of this so-called “snub,” most Senate Democrats refused to get behind a seemingly well qualified nominee. As Alpha News previously reported, only three Senate Democrats voted in favor of Gorsuch; Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota), Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and Joe Donnelly (D-Indiana). The vote was 55-45 with Senate Republicans using the “nuclear option” to change the Senate rules to allow a simple majority confirmation. The nuclear option allowed the U.S. Senate to override a rule or precedent by a simple majority of 51 votes, instead of a supermajority of 60 votes.
Despite the apprehension from Democrats, Emmer said the confirmation of Gorsuch is a “win for the American people” and is confident in his interpretation of the Constitution.
“I am confident he will uphold and defend the Constitution as our Founding Fathers intended and is the best person to follow in the footsteps to fill the vacancy left by the late Antonin Scalia,” Emmer said.
