Dems have the votes to try to block Gorsuch

Senate Democrats now have enough votes to try to block Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch with a filibuster, setting up a showdown with Republicans who plan to confirm him anyway.

The crucial 41st vote came from Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware who announced his decision Monday, as the Senate Judiciary Committee met to vote on Gorsuch’s nomination.

Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch at a news conference on Capitol Hill, February 1, 2017. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images/via JTA)

Coons said that he had decided to oppose President Donald Trump’s nominee over concerns that include his vague answers in his hearing.

Coons’ opposition will prevent Republicans from reaching the 60 votes they need to move Gorsuch over procedural hurdles to a final Senate vote. Determined to confirm him despite Democratic objections, they will likely change Senate rules later this week to reduce the threshold from 60 to a simple majority.

— AP