By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Monday, April 10, 2017, Judge Neil Gorsuch was sworn in as a US Supreme Court Justice.
US Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) voted to confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.
Sen. Shelby said, “I was proud to support and confirm Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch has clearly demonstrated that he consistently applies the law, as it is written, fairly and equally to all. There is no doubt that Judge Gorsuch will use this position to serve the American people with unwavering commitment to the Constitution, and I am confident that he will preserve the late Justice Antonin Scalia’s legacy on the bench for years to come.”
US Senator Luther Strange (R-Alabama) also voted to confirm Neil Gorsuch as Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Sen. Strange said in a statement, “For so many Americans, casting a vote last November for Donald Trump meant restoring faith in the Federal Judiciary. Alabamians want a high court that respects and affirms the rule of law, and because of today’s historic vote, that is what they are getting. I was proud to cast my vote to confirm Neil Gorsuch and help the President deliver on this important promise. His intellect, humility and fair judgment were displayed throughout the hearing process, and I look forward to these tremendous assets being employed on behalf of our nation’s highest court.”
The final vote on Justice Gorsuch came following an unprecedented confirmation process in which Senate Democrats’ refused to give advice and consent. Senate Republicans changed the rules of the Senate effectively ending the filibuster as a means to block a Supreme Court Confirmation. Democrats had earlier changed the rules to allow the same procedure to confirm lower court appointees.
US Representative Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) said in a statement, “Last Friday the Senate approved Justice Neil Gorsuch as our country’s newest Supreme Court Justice, and he was sworn-in at the White House today. I believe our nation will benefit from the new energy and experience Justice Gorsuch brings to the bench. His stated commitment to interpreting the Constitution as it’s written will hasten our return to separation of powers and the rule of law.”
US Representative Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said on social media. “Congratulations to Neil Gorsuch on officially being sworn in as a member of the Supreme Court! He is a thoughtful, balanced judge who will respect and defend the rule of law. Our nation will be better off with him on the Supreme Court.”
At the White House, President Donald J Trump (R) said, “We are here to celebrate history — the taking of the judicial oath by the newest member of the United States Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch. Justice Gorsuch, I just want to congratulate you and your entire family. It’s something so special. In fact, I’ve always heard that the most important thing that a President of the United States does is appoint people — hopefully great people like this appointment — to the United States Supreme Court. And I can say this is a great honor. (Applause.) And I got it done in the first 100 days — that’s even nice. (Laughter.) You think that’s easy?”
Pres. Trump said, “This ceremony has special meaning as Justice Gorsuch is filling the seat of one of the greatest Supreme Court judges in American history, and that’s Antonin Scalia, who is a terrific — was a terrific judge and a terrific person. Justice Scalia was a patriot who revered our Constitution. He was beloved by many, very many, who are here today, and he is deeply missed by all of us. I want to at this time recognize his incredible wife, Maureen, who I got to know very well over the last short period of time. And, Maureen, please stand up. Thank you very much. (Applause.) Thank you and your family. Thank you. Thank you, Maureen.”
Pres. Trump added, “Americans are blessed to have in Neil Gorsuch a man who will, likewise, be a devoted servant of the law. Over the past two months, the American people have gotten to know, respect and truly admire our newest member of the United States Supreme Court. In Justice Gorsuch, they see a man of great and unquestioned integrity. They see a man of unmatched qualifications. And most of all, and most importantly, they see a man who is deeply faithful to the Constitution of the United States. He will decide cases based not on his personal preferences, but based on a fair and objective reading of the law.”
