NPR

A 'Nuclear' Senate Showdown Next Week Appears All But Inevitable

If Senate Democrats are determined to oppose the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch, Senate Republicans are just as determined to confirm him.
Judge Neil Gorsuch is sworn in on the first day of his Supreme Court confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill on March 20, 2017.

Lawmakers from both parties are increasingly convinced that the United States Senate is on a collision course that will permanently change the dynamics of the chamber — and the United States Supreme Court.

There's a growing bipartisan sadness and resignation about next week's showdown over the rules that govern high court nominations. But that doesn't mean there's any serious attempt from either party to avoid it.

Here's where things stand: after the Senate Judiciary Committee approves Neil Gorsuch's nomination Monday, as it's expected to, Senate Democrats will insist on a

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