Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) spoke just after the Senate voted to eliminate the possibility of a Democratic filibuster blocking Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch. He says this decision brings the Senate back to "status quo."



Quotes via the office of Sen. John Cornyn:





“We have actually restored the status quo before the Administration of President George W. Bush. It was during that Administration when some of our friends across the aisle, along with some of their liberal law professor allies, dreamed up a way of blocking President George W. Bush's judicial nominees.”



“We've been debating and discussing this nominee for a long time now, and the opponents of Judge Gorsuch have tried time and time again to raise objections to this outstanding nominee, a nomination that no one in the Senate opposed ten years ago when he was confirmed to a position on the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.”



“They’ve claimed he wasn't mainstream enough. They've said this was a seat that really should have gone to Merrick Garland. They've even accused him of plagiarism. All of these arguments have no merit whatsoever.”



“And that much became even clearer as folks from across the political spectrum and newspapers from across the country urged our Democratic colleagues to drop their pointless filibuster and allow an up-or-down vote. What also came to light is the type of man Judge Gorsuch is: a man of integrity, a man of strong independence. In other words, exactly the kind of person you would want to serve on the United States Supreme Court.”



“President Trump has, by all accounts, selected a judge with impeccable qualifications and the highest integrity. Not one of our Democratic colleagues has been able to offer a convincing argument against him, and that's why several of our Democratic colleagues have crossed the aisle to support his nomination… I think more would join if they didn't fear retribution from the radical elements in their own political party.”



“We said we would let the American people decide who would select the next Supreme Court nominee and then we would vote to confirm that nominee. The American people on November the 8th selected President Trump. President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch. And tomorrow we will confirm that nominee and deliver on that promise.”