By Brandon Moseley
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 President Donald J. Trump (R) announced his nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch for the U.S. Supreme Court. The decision has continued to draw praise from Alabama’s leaders, most of whom are Republicans.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) said in a statement on Twitter, “A champion of religious liberties, the choice of Judge Gorsuch is why the American people chose President Trump to lead our country.”
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan said in a statement, “The Alabama Republican Party eagerly awaits a conservative justice joining the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch’s commitment to upholding the Constitution will be a welcome addition to the highest court in the nation.”
Chairman Lathan said, “Judge Gorsuch participated in notable cases opposing the Affordable Care Act’s mandate that required companies pay for birth control despite their religious beliefs. In these cases, Judge Gorsuch supported Hobby Lobby and Little Sisters of the Poor, both under the Religious Freedom Restorations Act. In analyses of his legal writings and opinions, legal scholars strongly compare Judge Gorsuch to the late Supreme Court Justice Scalia.”
U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R from Montgomery) said in a statement, “I’m very pleased with President Trump’s selection of Judge Gorsuch as his nominee to the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch has a reputation as a strict constitutionalist, but he’s also known as someone who understands Constitutional order and the balance of authority between the three branches of government.”
Congresswoman Roby said, “Judge Gorsuch’s record makes it clear that he is opposed to federal agencies having far-reaching control, and that is very important moving forward. Most of all, I’m very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead with this President and this Congress to restore Constitutional order alongside the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch’s appointment will have an effect for many years to come.”
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R from Wisconsin) said, “In Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Trump has fulfilled his pledge to nominate a judge who has a demonstrated loyalty to the Constitution and a strong commitment to life. He is a phenomenal nominee for the Supreme Court. His belief in judicial restraint will serve the Court—and the country—very well. I also commend his career-long fight to uphold the constitutional right of religious liberty. I am confident my colleagues in the Senate will confirm Judge Gorsuch.”
Senator Sherrod Brown (D from Ohio) has already denounced Gorsuch and said he will not vote to confirm the Trump nominee. Sen. Brown said, “The people of Ohio deserve Supreme Court Justices who will defend the rights of working families over Wall Street and corporate special interests – and Judge Gorsuch’s record doesn’t pass that test,” Brown said. “I cannot support any nominee who does not recognize that corporations are not people. The Supreme Court has enormous influence over the lives of everyday Ohioans, and any nominee must be willing to defend their rights to make their own healthcare decisions, collectively bargain for safe workplaces and fair pay, and to be protected from discrimination and Wall Street greed.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D from New York) is insisting that any Supreme Court confirmation receive 60 votes. Earlier today Exxon Mobile CEO Rex Tillerson was confirmed by the Senate with just 56 votes (all 52 Republicans plus four red and swing state Democrats).
Lathan said “In 2006, the Senate unanimously confirmed Judge Gorsuch for his current position as judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Judge Gorsuch received praise from both Democrat and Republican Senators. It is clear that President Trump is keeping his campaign promise of nominating a conservative individual to the Supreme Court through choosing Judge Gorsuch to serve. We look forward to his confirmation.”
Judge Neil Gorsuch serves on the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Gorsuch received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and attended Harvard Law School.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login