Chad Readler, who Trump nominated to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, has come under fire from Democrats for signing a brief during his time at the Justice Department that supported a lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act. | Andrew Harnik/AP Photo Congress Senate advances Trump nominee who backed lawsuit against Obamacare

The Senate on Tuesday advanced the nomination of a key judicial nominee who Democrats have blasted for backing a lawsuit that challenged Obamacare.

In a 53-45 vote, the Senate voted along party lines to invoke cloture on Chad Readler's nomination to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) did not vote.


Earlier Tuesday, Senate Democrats sought to pressure the GOP against advancing the nominee, warning that the vote on Readler's nomination amounted to a test of Senate Republicans’ commitment to protecting health care for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Readler has come under scrutiny for signing a brief during his time at the Justice Department that supported a challenge to the Affordable Care Act.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) noted Tuesday that Readler was nominated the day after signing the brief.

“It seemed like they were saying ‘Chad, you did a good job taking away people’s health care,’” Schumer said at a press conference. “Every Republican will be forced to show the American people whether or not they stand for protecting pre-existing conditions.”

So far, only Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has said she would join Democrats and vote against Readler's final confirmation.

"Given Mr. Readler’s role in the government’s failure to defend provisions under current law that protect individuals with pre-existing conditions, I will oppose his confirmation to the bench," Collins said in a statement.

Collins, however, voted to advance Readler's nomination Tuesday.

Schumer was joined at Tuesday's press conference by Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.

“Republicans have used every lever at their disposal to try to strip away protections for people with pre-existing conditions,” Murphy said. “They’re sending a very clear signal to everyone inside the administration that if you stand up and lead on the issue of taking away protections for people with pre-existing conditions you will be rewarded.”

Liberal judicial groups are also pressuring Republicans on the Readler nomination.

Demand Justice said Tuesday that it has purchased a five-figure digital ad buy targeting Republican senators in swing states, including Collins, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Cory Gardner of Colorado, and Joni Ernst of Iowa.

