NPR

5 Insights Into Judge Neil Gorsuch After 2nd Day Of Confirmation Hearings

Everything from originalism to mutton-busting was fodder as the Supreme Court nominee took questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

After a day of statements, Tuesday's Supreme Court confirmation hearing was all about answers. Judge Neil Gorsuch was careful in his responses to Senate Judiciary Committee members, but there were still a number of insights that marked the day. Read our full Day 2 coverage here. These are five highlights:

1. Judicial independence

Gorsuch says he will be . Senators have repeatedly questioned the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion, "." And asked point-blank by Republican Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley if he would have any trouble ruling against "the president who appointed you," Gorsuch called it a "," adding he would have no difficulty ruling for or against anyone.

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