The United States Senate voted by a margin of 54 to 45 Friday to confirm Neil Gorsuch as the newest Supreme Court associate justice.
Vice President Mike Pence presided over the Senate during the historic vote to fill the vacancy left last year by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.
Senate has the votes to confirm Gorsuch. Vote still open. GOP KY Sen Paul cast the 51st vote. So far Manchin/Donnelly only Dem yeas
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 7, 2017
Heading into the vote, all Republicans were expected to vote for Gorsuch, joined by three Democrats from red states: Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota.
On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell used the "nuclear option" to break the Democrats' filibuster with a simple majority vote.
Fox News' Chad Pergram reports that Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) joined with Republicans in the effort Thursday, but voted against Gorsuch's confirmation Friday.
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), who voted to cut off debate yesterday, voted no to confirm Gorsuch. Had intro'd Gorsuch at hrng
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 7, 2017
All 3 Dems expected to vote for Gorsuch have done do: Heitkamp, Donnelly & Manchin. All 3 up in '18 facing tough races in red states
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 7, 2017
All other Democrats were expected to vote against Gorsuch.
Gorsuch will be sworn in Monday morning by Chief Justice John Roberts as the 101st Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court.
Later on Monday, Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy will administer the Judicial Oath at a public ceremony at the White House.
Here's some reaction to the confirmation...
Congratulations, Justice Gorsuch
Thank you, Mr. President, @SenateMajLdr & @SenateGOP
And a very special THANK YOU to @SenatorReid!
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) April 7, 2017
Well done, @SenateMajLdr on Gorsuch! I didn't think you had it in you.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) April 7, 2017
Congratulations to Justice Gorsuch. Trump kept his promise.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) April 7, 2017
FINALLY Judge Gorsuch confirmed - Supreme Court can get back to work!
— Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) April 7, 2017
Congratulations to the newest Associate Justice of #SCOTUS, Neil Gorsuch! pic.twitter.com/9EBQpDWJCH
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 7, 2017
Congrats. pic.twitter.com/p822W9bz5K
— Charlie Sykes (@SykesCharlie) April 7, 2017
