<P> In November 2013 , Senate Democrats led by Harry Reid used the nuclear option to eliminate the 60 - vote rule on executive branch nominations and federal judicial appointments , but not for the Supreme Court . In April 2017 , Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell extended the nuclear option to Supreme Court and the nomination of Neil Gorsuch ending the debate . </P>
<P> In November 2013 , Senate Democrats led by Harry Reid used the nuclear option to eliminate the 60 - vote rule on executive branch nominations and federal judicial appointments , but not for the Supreme Court . In April 2017 , Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell extended the nuclear option to Supreme Court and the nomination of Neil Gorsuch ending the debate . </P>
who changed the senate rules for supreme court nominees
who changed the senate rules for supreme court nominees
Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell
Senate Republicans led by Mitch McConnell