Kaine Statement On Rules Change In Response To Failed Cloture Vote On Gorsuch Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement on Senate Republicans changing the rules after the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch failed to receive the 60 votes needed to invoke cloture:

“We have given Judge Gorsuch serious consideration. He’s been granted meetings, hearings, a Committee vote, full floor debate, and a vote from the full Senate, and he fell short of the bipartisan support needed to move forward with final confirmation to the Supreme Court. The President should have put forward a nominee who can garner support from both sides of the aisle. A Supreme Court nominee was subject to the 60-vote threshold because it is such a consequential, lifelong appointment. Senate Republicans’ decision to change the rules because Judge Gorsuch cannot obtain sufficient bipartisan support is the wrong approach for the country.”

After meeting with Judge Gorsuch, reviewing his judicial decisions, listening to his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and hearing from thousands of his constituents, Kaine announced last week that he would vote against cloture and final confirmation for Gorsuch’s nomination.

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