Dem Defection: Senate Democrats May Lose Key Voice in Gorsuch Filibuster

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Dem Defection: Senate Democrats May Lose Key Voice in Gorsuch Filibuster

Published March 27, 2017
By Kevin Daley | The Daily Caller

Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont has signaled he may not join the effort to filibuster Judge Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court, depriving Senate Democrats of a powerful voice in the marquee political fight of the spring.

Following the conclusion of Judge Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation hearings, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Senate Democrats would stage a filibuster. Senate rules require 60 votes to close floor debate on a nomination or piece of legislation. As such, a group of 41 senators can “filibuster” or prevent the chamber from closing debate on a particular matter and permanently stall action on that subject.

The senator told the VTDigger that he is “not inclined” to back Schumer’s play, but hastened to add he will not vote for Gorsuch’s confirmation once it reaches the floor.

“I am not inclined to filibuster, even though I’m not inclined to vote for him,” Leahy said.

http://nation.foxnews.com/2017/03/27/dem-defection-senate-democrats-may-lose-key-voice-gorsuch-filibuster