Demand Progress praises Senate Democrats who stood in firm opposition during the first day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2017
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Washington, DC — After sustained pressure from progressive groups, including Demand Progress, to hold Trump’s nominees accountable, Senate Democrats — most notably Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse — did not hold back on the first day of Gorsuch’s confirmation hearings.
In the lead-up to the hearings, Democrats were shy to hit the judge on his tendency to deliver rulings that benefit wealthy corporations and challenge laws that protect workers, consumers, and the environment. That changed yesterday.
Senator Whitehouse highlighted a dozen decisions in which the Roberts court voted 5 to 4 to limit voting rights and increase money in politics to favor business interests. In each case five Republican appointees were in the majority, and the Roberts court has been divided along partisan lines in favor of business interests. Senate Democrats showed that dynamic will only strengthen with Gorsuch on the court.
“Democrats got off to a strong start and need to continue to stand in aggressive opposition to the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Yesterday’s remarks by Senator Whitehouse and other Democrats were a step in the right direction. They put forth a strong first challenge against Gorsuch’s pro-corporate leanings,” Demand Progress executive director David Segal said.
“Gorsuch has privileged the power of corporations over the needs of ordinary Americans. He has stood with monopolists and against consumers and small businesses. He has sided with opponents of women’s rights and appears poised to gut what remains of our campaign finance regulatory framework. During his tenure in the Bush administration he supported authoritarian tendencies, defending warrantless wiretapping and against charges of torture,” Segal said.
“Gorsuch’s pro-corporate and authoritarian proclivities and unwillingness to rebuff Trump’s attacks on the judiciary are concerning. His appointment would swing the balance of the court at a time when it could—with short notice—be called upon to adjudicate Trump’s attempts to expand executive power,” said Segal.
“Demand Progress calls on senators to follow yesterday’s example and continue to stand firm against Gorsuch, and plans to mobilize constituents to ensure they do so.”
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