At 11 a.m., the Senate moved to invoke cloture on the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. The Democrats have surpassed 41 “no” votes, meaning that they have effectively filibustered Gorsuch’s nomination. This is the first time in Senate history that a party has filibustered a nominee to the Supreme Court. So far, three Democrats have voted “yes” on cloture with Republicans: Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, and Michael Bennet of Colorado.
11:30 a.m.: Final vote count is 55-45. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell joined with Democrats to vote “no,” so that he will be able to exercise power to move to reconsider. Four Democrats voted with the Republicans: Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, and Michael Bennet of Colorado.
11:46 a.m.: After McConnell moved to reconsider the motion to invoke cloture, the final vote count was 55-45. Three Democrats voted with Republicans to end debate: Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, and Joe Donnelly of Indiana. Democratic senator from Colorado, Michael Bennet, switched his vote to “no” in this round.