After failing to invoke cloture on the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States by a vote of 55 to 45, Senate Republicans invoked the “nuclear option.” A vote on the ruling of the Chair removed the 60-vote threshold necessary to avoid a filibuster, ensuring that future Supreme Court nominees can advance on a simple majority vote. That historic vote was along party lines with all 52 Republicans in support. Another vote to invoke cloture was then voted on, and it was agreed to by a roll call vote of 55 to 45. Joining the 52 Republicans in the vote to invoke cloture were Sens. Donnelly (D-IN), Heitkamp (D-ND), and Manchin (D-WV). Gorsuch is the first Supreme Court nominee to be filibustered since 1968. His confirmation vote is expected sometime Friday evening.
