The second day of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on the possible confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court was punctuated with both lighthearted and serious questions and answers.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) relayed, "My brother Scott asks if you've ever worn gym shorts and a tank top under your robe?" Gorsuch said. "I might have to exercise my rights under the Fifth Amendment for that one."
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) read a text from his wife: “How in the world is Gorsuch supposed to go so many hours in a row without peeing?”
Sen.
John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) jokingly closed the day’s hearing, “I don’t know if you’re a drinking man, but you may want to have a cocktail tonight.” Gorsuch replied, “I’m going to hit the hay.”
Highlights from Tuesday's Supreme Court nomination
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) asked what it was like clerking for Judge Byron White. Gorsuch stated, “He really was my childhood hero,” just as he had informed during Monday’s hearing.
He elaborated, “And to actually get picked...was and remains the privilege of a lifetime and it has everything to do with why I’m here. I wouldn’t have become a judge but for watching his example.”
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) remarked that it is “unfair for anyone to state or to imply that you then are responsible somehow for the expressive conduct of third parties, third parties who are not you.”
Gorsuch said that he was “not involved in the Citizens United case” and “I’d also like to clarify that nobody speaks for me.
Nobody,” Gorsuch said. “I speak for me. I’m a judge.”
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska) asked Gorsuch about his biography, Gorsuch said that he loves to ski, he vacations in Winter Park, CO (where he also said he “learned to ski as a kid”). Additionally, he enjoys fishing, hiking, running, rowing and reading fiction novels.
Gorsuch received a jury summons while he was with the Department of Justice.
He was elected jury foreman yet declined. He told Sen. Flake, “I didn’t want to have undue influence.” He further said that the experience left him feeling more optimistic. “I really believe in the wisdom.”
Nomination process nothing short of serious
Prior to the hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee presented Gorsuch with an application like none other: “Questionnaire for Nominee to the Supreme Court.” The application completed by Gorsuch tallies 68 pages.
If confirmed to serve on the high court, Gorsuch will have proved to the U.S. Senate that not only is he well-qualified but that he has also addressed the process, concerns, and questions with sincerity.
