Posted on 09/19/2020 2:48:08 PM PDT by Libloather
**SNIP**
Senate Republicans have a 53 to 47 majority, and they abolished the filibuster for Supreme Court nominations in 2017. They can confirm a new justice even if they lose three of their own members and win zero Democrats (in which case, Vice President Mike Pence would cast the tie-breaking vote.)
Democrats would need to convince four Republicans to vote against the nomination to block it. Failing that, progressives say their only method of retaliation would be to capture the White House and Congress and add seats to the Supreme Court.
On a call with Democratic senators Saturday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who would take over the chamber if his party wins control, kept that option open.
"Let me be clear: if Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans move forward with this, then nothing is off the table for next year. Nothing is off the table," he said, according to a source on the call.
Schumer wasn’t specific but Democratic aides interpreted his remarks as a reference to expanding the number of seats on the court. Congress has changed the size of the court before - but not since 1869, when it was last expanded from seven to nine.
**SNIP**
The election is in 44 days, but the next Congress isn't sworn in for 106 days. Republicans could use the lame duck session to confirm a justice. Some conservatives expect a confirmation hearing before the Nov. 3 election and a final vote after the election.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
The president shall nominate, and the Senate will provide advice and consent. The Senate is advising that there shall be a vote. It's as plain as day.
In 2016, the Senate advised that their shall be NO vote. Elections have consequences.
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