At the end of the first day of hearings on the nominations, People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker issued the following statement.

“Today’s opening statements made clear that Democrats intend to ask tough questions about Neil Gorsuch’s record of putting the interests of corporations and the powerful above the rights of every day Americans. Even in cases where the statute was clear, Gorsuch has routinely pushed a twisted, cramped reading that made it harder for individuals to defend their rights in court. We don’t need his ideologically driven approach to justice on the Supreme Court.

“I was especially pleased to see so many Senators make clear that they will insist on clear answers about Judge Gorsuch’s opinions on issues related to money in politics and the independence of our courts. Neil Gorsuch must provide full and complete answers about his record and his judicial philosophy if he expects to be confirmed to a life seat on our nation’s highest court.

“Since he was confirmed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals a decade ago, Neil Gorsuch has assembled a long and disturbing record that should raise profound concerns for anyone who cares about the Constitution, the Supreme Court and the principles of equal justice under law. Democrats should use these hearings to make it perfectly clear how out of step that record is with our most essential American values.”

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.

 

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