We have seen the independence of Judge Gorsuch attacked no fewer than 27 times.

It is not a statement I would make, in part because I think it is important to uphold the Federal judiciary as a system that is good.

This is wrong. This is not the kind of statement that should ever flow from the mouth of a United States Senator.

It is one of the reasons why it is important for us to defend the integrity of the Federal judiciary.

It is not how big your bank account balance is. Nobody ever puts that in their draft obituary.

Judges, on the other hand, are supposed to be following the law impartially.

An independent judiciary in this country, I can carry that baton for as long as I can carry it.

But every American in a more fundamental way needs to know what is in the heart of legislators because we are supposed to speak for the hearts, and minds, and hopes, and dreams of 320 million American people.

I have no doubt that, unlike the President, Judge Gorsuch has profound respect for an independent judiciary and the vital role it plays as a check on the Executive and legislative branches.

The independence of our courts is an essential strength of our democracy.

It is a distinct privilege to be here with my colleague, Senator Gardner from Colorado, to introduce Judge Neil Gorsuch.