Schumer: I have ‘serious doubts’ about Trump’s Supreme Court nominee

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he has “serious doubts” about President Trump’s nominee to replace the late Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, the first sign of what is likely to be a contentious confirmation battle.

“Now more than ever, we need a Supreme Court Justice who is independent, eschews ideology, who will preserve our democracy, protect fundamental rights, and will stand up to a President who has already shown a willingness to bend the Constitution,” Schumer said in a statement.

{mosads}”Given his record, I have very serious doubts about Judge Gorsuch’s ability to meet this standard. Judge Gorsuch has repeatedly sided with corporations over working people, demonstrated a hostility toward women’s rights, and most troubling, hewed to an ideological approach to jurisprudence that makes me skeptical that he can be a strong, independent Justice on the Court.”

Schumer pledged that the Senate Democrats would spearhead an “exhaustive” debate over Gorsuch’s nomination.

“Make no mistake, Senate Democrats will not simply allow but require an exhaustive, robust, and comprehensive debate on Judge Gorsuch’s fitness to be a Supreme Court Justice,” Schumer said.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) also blasted Trump’s selection of Gorsuch, criticizing the judge’s positions on healthcare, business and workers’ rights. 

“I cannot support any nominee who does not recognize that corporations are not people,” the lawmaker said in a statement.