On Capitol Hill, Senate Democrats are preparing to mount a filibuster today against Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, as Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell prepares to change Senate rules to confirm Supreme Court nominees by a simple majority—the so-called nuclear option. The move would pave the way for Gorsuch’s confirmation in an up-or-down vote Friday and could radically change how future Supreme Court appointees are selected. Ahead of today’s showdown, Oregon Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley held a filibuster-like session overnight Tuesday, speaking for over 15 hours in protest of Gorsuch’s nomination. Merkley repeatedly cited the refusal of Republicans to even consider President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court in March of last year—Merrick Garland.

Sen. Jeff Merkley: “And to confirm anyone but Merrick Garland to this seat confirms the Senate as the thief who took the seat for the first time in U.S. history and transported to another president in an effort to pack the court.”