The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Cindy Carr, (202) 495-3034 or cindy.carr@sierraclub.org

Senate Republicans Change the Rules to Confirm Trump's Judicial Nominee

Today, one day after the Senate rejected Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court and Senate Republicans used the nuclear option to forever alter what was once called the "greatest deliberative body," Donald Trump's nominee to the Court has been confirmed.

For more than 200 years, the Senate have honored a 60 vote margin for Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed. Gorsuch only received 55.

WASHINGTON

Today, one day after the Senate rejected Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court and Senate Republicans used the nuclear option to forever alter what was once called the "greatest deliberative body," Donald Trump's nominee to the Court has been confirmed.

For more than 200 years, the Senate have honored a 60 vote margin for Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed. Gorsuch only received 55.

The Sierra Club launched a video in response to today's vote, calling on people to speak out against the Trump - Gorsuch agenda and join the People's Climate March on April 29th.

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:

"The disgraceful actions taken by Senate Republicans this week weren't about serving the American people, they were about serving Donald Trump and his dangerous agenda. Since taking office, Trump has sought to gut life-saving environmental safeguards, tried (and failed) to institute two Muslim bans, and has continued to condemn the judicial branch anytime it makes a decision he doesn't agree with. Today, Senate Republicans chose to change the rules that have been honored for more than 200 years on his behalf. This decision wasn't some benevolent action to preserve democracy, it was to erode it.

"The American people will not accept Senate Republicans shameful actions as just the mere status quo. We are organized, we are determined, we will vote, and our voices will be heard in the face of those who chose to threaten democracy on Trump's behalf."

The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. We amplify the power of our 3.8 million members and supporters to defend everyone's right to a healthy world.

(415) 977-5500