Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D) at Recent City Hall Meeting.

‘Ultimately, filling this vacancy in the Supreme Court should not have been president Trump’s to make, but President Obama’s.  It’s unconscionable that Senate Republicans kept the seat unfilled for nearly a year for political gain.

That said, the importance of Trump’s choice cannot be overstated.  It could be the most consequential decision he makes during his entire Presidency.  A number of issues will likely come before the Supreme Court in the coming years.  Among them a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions, voting laws, civil rights, freedom of speech and religion and protections against gun violence.

President Trump’s unconstitutional and un-American immigration orders also signal that the Supreme Curt will be asked to rule on the legality of his actions.  For the sake of our constitution and democracy, this justice will need to have the character and courage to stand up against the President who nominated him.

I ask that my colleagues in the Senate do their utmost to find out if Neil Gorsuch is up to that solemn responsibility and hope they make their decision on confirmation accordingly,” wrote Congresswoman Pingree in a press release issued by her office following the nomination of Neil Gorsuch tonight.

(editor’s note:  Senator Elizabeth Warren (D), Massachussets, has announced she will oppose Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court.)