The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, this coming Monday, with a full Senate vote on his confirmation predicted as early as Thursday.
Thousands of grassroots activists and hundreds of civil rights, feminist, and other social justice organizations such as the Feminist Majority Foundation, NAACP, NARAL Pro-Choice America, NOW, American Federation of Teachers, and Planned Parenthood Federation have publicly opposed Gorsuch due to his consistent rulings putting corporations above women, workers and everyday people.
Trump promised during the Presidential campaign to nominate Justices to the Supreme Court who would overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court recognizing a constitutional right to abortion.
In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Feminist Majority Foundation stressed that, “This outrageous litmus test puts women’s lives on the chopping block and shows deep disrespect for women’s constitutionally protected rights and liberties.” The letter continues, “Judge Gorsuch’s record suggests that he would stop at nothing to carry out President Trump’s political agenda and overturn Roe if given the opportunity.”
Under longstanding Senate rules, Supreme Court nominees must earn 60 votes before the Senate can move to an up or down vote on their confirmation. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced last week that he would lead the opposition to Gorsuch’s confirmation. It remains unclear if Gorsuch can meet the 60-vote threshold as opposition grows.
In response, Republican leaders have threatened to change the rules of the Senate to force through Trump’s nominee with only a simple majority of the votes as opposed to the required 60. This so-called “nuclear option” would be unprecedented for a lifetime Supreme Court appointment.
The People’s Defense, a coalition made up of progressive advocacy groups including NARAL and the National LGBTQ Task Force, are mobilizing people in opposition of Gorsuch in rallies across the country on the National Day of Action, Saturday, April 1.
Media Resources: CNN 3/29/17; The Leadership Conference 3/20/17; Feminist Majority Foundation 3/10/17; The People’s Defense
