Judge Neil Gorsuch was confirmed Friday morning as the 113th justice to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.
The 54-45 vote was mostly along party lines as only three Democrats — Sens. Joe Manchin, Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly — sided with the GOP majority.
Gorsuch is expected to restore a 5-4 conservative tilt on the bench as he fills the vacancy left by late Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative icon who died unexpectedly in February 2016.
Here’s what the Alabama delegation is saying of Gorsuch’s confirmation:
Senator Richard Shelby:
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.
Senator Luther Strange:
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.
Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne:
Neil Gorsuch is the perfect replacement for Justice Antonin Scalia, and I applaud the Senate for confirming him to serve on our nation’s highest court. Judge Gorsuch has distinguished himself as a thoughtful and balanced jurist who understands it is not the job of the courts to write laws but rather to interpret the law as written. Our nation will be better off with him on the Supreme Court.
Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby:
I applaud the Senate for wasting no time in confirming Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. I believe our country will benefit from the new energy and experience that Justice Gorsuch will bring to the bench.
Throughout the confirmation process, Justice Gorsuch proved himself to be a highly capable individual who is supremely qualified for this great responsibility. I believe his stated commitment to interpreting the Constitution as it was written will hasten a long overdue return to the separation of powers and rule of law in this country.
Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks:
President Donald Trump made an outstanding nomination in Neil Gorsuch, and today I commend his confirmation as the next associate justice of the United States Supreme Court. Further, I support the Senate’s use of the Democrat Harry Reid precedent (sometimes called the “nuclear option”) to ensure Gorsuch’s confirmation. He was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in 2006, enjoying the full support of the Democrat senators.
Despite failed partisan attempts and political theater aimed to paint Gorsuch as an ideologue who will rule based on personal beliefs, Gorsuch has consistently demonstrated his commitment and record of ruling on issues before his court based on rational interpretation of the original intent of the Constitution or law, regardless of his personal opinions. I am certain Neil Gorsuch will honor the legacy of Justice Antonin Scalia.
