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April 6, 2017

GOP Readies "Nuclear Option" for Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch
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On Capitol Hill, Senate Democrats are preparing to mount a filibuster
today against Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, as Republican Majority
Leader Mitch Mc Connell prepares to change Senate rules to confirm
Supreme Court nominees by a simple majority-the so-called nuclear
option. The move would pave the way for Gorsuch's confirmation in an
up-or-down vote Friday and could radically change how future Supreme
Court appointees are selected. Ahead of today's showdown, Oregon
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley held a filibuster-like session overnight
Tuesday, speaking for over 15 hours in protest of Gorsuch's nomination.
Merkley repeatedly cited the refusal of Republicans to even consider
President Obama's nominee to the Supreme Court in March of last
year-Merrick Garland.

Sen. Jeff Merkley: "And to confirm anyone but Merrick Garland to this
seat confirms the Senate as the thief who took the seat for the first
time in U.S. history and transported to another president in an effort
to pack the court."



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