Senate Republicans are conflicted about what to do if a Supreme Court seat becomes vacant during the remainder of President Trump’s first term, a possibility that has come more into focus in recent weeks in light of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s health problems.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has made clear that he intends to fill a Supreme Court vacancy in 2020, despite holding the seat vacated by the death of late conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia open during the 2016 presidential election.
“Oh, we’d fill it,” McConnell said with a smile when asked last year whether he would act to confirm a Trump nominee to the Supreme Court should a seat become vacant.
The GOP leader doubled down on that promise earlier this year.