[JURIST] Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch [Politico profile] on Wednesday concluded testifying in his confirmation hearing [materials] before the Senate Judiciary Committee [official website]. Gorsuch largely avoided giving direct answers on many policy questions, likening it to campaign promises to which he does not want to be held. Democrats used the hearing to criticize the Senate’s failure to consider former president Barack Obama’s nominee for the seat Merrick Garland [JURIST report]. With 52 Republican senators likely voting in Gorsuch’s favor, he only needs to win over eight Democrats to avoid a filibuster in the full Senate. While Gorsuch’s testimony has concluded, witnesses will testify on his behalf Thursday.

The Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings [JURIST report] on Monday for nominee Gorsuch. Each of the 20 senators on the committee, as well as Gorsuch himself, began the hearing by providing opening statements. Hearings continued [JURIST report] on Tuesday, where Gorsuch faced numerous questions and concerns by Democrats on issues of abortion, gun control and campaign spending. Gorsuch refused to answer many of these questions stating that his personal views were irrelevant and that he would keep an open mind and rule fairly based upon the facts and law of each case. However, Gorsuch did state [Politico report] that Roe v. Wade is precedent and the Obergefell decision supporting same-sex marriage is “absolutely settled law.” Further, Gorsuch pledged to keep “an open mind” and offered that he has “offered no promises on how I’d rule in any case to anyone, and I don’t think it’s appropriate for a judge to do so.” President Donald Trump nominated Gorsuch [JURIST report] in January to fill the seat vacated by Justice Antonin Scalia’s passing.