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Disappointed by Senate Committee Vote on Gorsuch, NCJW Calls for a Consensus Vote on the Senate Floor

National Council of Jewish Women
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Disappointed by Senate Committee Vote on Gorsuch, NCJW Calls for a Consensus Vote on the Senate Floor

April 3, 2017, Washington, DC – In the wake of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote to recommend confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) asked the full Senate to nonetheless reject his nomination unless it can meet the benchmark 60-vote threshold achieved by nearly all previous nominees. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:

“It is a sad day indeed when the Senate Judiciary Committee votes to endorse a nominee for the Supreme Court whose views are so far removed from the values of most Americans. Judge Gorsuch opposes the basic premise of federal regulation at the center of the legal mainstream and would thereby make it impossible for most federal agencies to function. He supports allowing closely-held corporations to deprive women of birth control coverage if the corporate owners have religious objections. He has ruled time and again in favor of powerful interests and against everyday Americans. Such a candidate is not the consensus nominee to which the country is entitled.

“Anyone nominated for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court should be able to earn 60 votes by demonstrating that he or she is open-minded, committed to fairness, and won’t judge cases based on a partisan political agenda. If the US Senate cannot achieve the 60 votes needed for confirmation of Judge Gorsuch, then the nominee should be changed, not the Senate rules. Requiring 60 votes for confirmation as has historically been the case contributes to a more balanced, independent Supreme Court — one not beholden only to the president or to one party. If the 60 vote floor is thrown out as soon as that threshold of opposition is achieved, it has no meaning in any case. The Senate must not go down this dangerous road.”

 

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.

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