US officials say military hotline with Russia remains open

Gorsuch may be decisive vote in divisive Supreme Court cases

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court (all times local): The White House is praising Neil Gorsuch following his confirmation as the next Supreme Court justice. President Donald Trump says in a statement that Gorsuch's "judicial temperament, exceptional intellect, unparalleled integrity, and record of independence" will make him "the perfect choice" to serve on the court. Trump says in the statement that Gorsuch will serve "with distinction" and continue to "vigorously defend our Constitution." Gorsuch was confirmed Friday by the Senate. The White House says he will be sworn in Monday during a private ceremony at the Supreme Court, followed by a public ceremony at the White House later in the morning. Justice Anthony Kennedy will administer the oath at the White House ceremony. ___ 12:10 p.m. The Supreme Court says Neil Gorsuch will be sworn in as the 113th justice on Monday in separate ceremonies at the court and the White House. Justices take two oaths, one required by the Constitution and the other set by federal law. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the constitutional oath to Gorsuch in a private ceremony in the justices' conference room at 9 a.m. Later Monday, Justice Anthony Kennedy will ask his former law clerk and new colleague to take the second oath in a public ceremony at the White House. The court did not give a time for the White House event. Gorsuch will officially be a member of the court once he takes the two oaths. ___ 12:05 p.m. The Senate has confirmed Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, bringing a contentious 14-month partisan battle to a close after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. The vote was 54-45 on Friday. The victory gives President Donald Trump's 49-year-old nominee a lifetime spot on the court and his party a much-needed political win after failing to pass legislation on health care and other issues. The final confirmation vote came after Senate Republicans rewrote the rules, voting to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster threshold on Supreme Court nominees. The change allows the Senate to proceed to the final vote with a simple majority. Democrats opposed Gorsuch in part because Senate Republicans blocked former President Barack Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, last year.

The Latest: Trump praises Gorsuch after confirmation