US Democrats confirm votes in bid to block Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch

Mr Coons's opposition will prevent Republicans from reaching the 60 votes they need to move Mr Gorsuch over procedural hurdles to a final Senate vote.

Senate Democrats say they now have enough votes to try to block Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch with a filibuster, setting up a showdown with Republicans who plan to confirm him anyway.

The crucial 41st vote came from Democratic Sen Chris Coons of Delaware, who announced his decision on Monday as the Senate Judiciary Committee met to vote on Mr Gorsuch's nomination.