Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Gorsuch Must Fully Answer Questions About His Record, Judicial Philosophy

WASHINGTON - Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement calling on members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to vigorously scrutinize the record and judicial philosophy of Judge Neil Gorsuch as they begin his confirmation hearing today. To date, Judge Gorsuch has failed to demonstrate that he is worthy of a lifetime appointment to our nation's highest court:

"Senators have an awesome responsibility before them as they consider Judge Gorsuch for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. But Judge Gorsuch has an even greater obligation - to the Senate and the American people - to fully and candidly answer questions about his troubling record and judicial philosophy, something he has so far failed to do.

Based on our examination of the available evidence, Judge Gorsuch's decade-long record on the federal bench, as well as his writings, speeches, and activities throughout his career, demonstrate that he is a judge with an agenda. His frequent dissents and concurrences show he is out of the mainstream of legal thought. His judicial philosophy is that of a conservative ideologue who has consistently ruled against individuals in favor of large entities, including on issues affecting women, workers, the environment, people with disabilities, and employment discrimination.

Time and again, Judge Gorsuch has twisted the law to favor corporate interests despite the harm done to workers and their families. It is no wonder that the same corporate interests that pushed for his nomination are spending millions of dollars to secure him a seat on the Court. They are not doing so out of a sense of altruism - they expect him to deliver. It is telling that the Republicans have invited the anti-worker National Federation of Independent Business to testify on his behalf.

Though President Trump may disagree, one of the paramount responsibilities of our judiciary is to serve as an independent check on the executive branch. Given the unprecedented power grab by this administration, it is imperative that the next Supreme Court justice demonstrate an ability to serve as that check. Based on his record, it is clear Judge Gorsuch would serve as a rubber stamp for the President who appointed him.

The Senate Judiciary Committee must not allow Judge Gorsuch to duck or evade important questions. The American people have a right to know precisely how Judge Gorsuch's appointment to the Supreme Court would impact their rights, freedoms, and liberties."

On Friday, 116 national civil and human rights organizations wrote to the Senate to express their opposition to the confirmation of Judge Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Read their letter here.