Denver, CO - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the following statement on the Senate's consideration of Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"Neither Republicans nor Democrats are blameless for where things stand in our politics and on this nomination. But at some point, we need to take the long view and stand up for our institutions.

"Using the filibuster and nuclear option at this moment takes us in the wrong direction. I have spent the past several weeks trying to avoid this outcome. Changing the Senate rules now will only further politicize the Supreme Court and prevent the Senate from blocking more extreme judges in the future.

"I will oppose efforts to filibuster the nomination, and strongly encourage my colleagues not to use the nuclear option."