US Senate clashes over Trump SC pick

US Senate Republicans and Democrats clashed bitterly over President Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick, with no signs that a potentially damaging showdown will be averted today.

The Senate began formal debate Tuesday on federal Judge Neil Gorsuch, as opposition Democrats insisted they have the necessary votes to block his nomination through use of a tactic known as a filibuster.

Sixty votes are needed to overcome a filibuster and end debate in the 100-seat Senate. Republicans hold 52 seats.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted that "due to an unprecedented filibuster threat," he was setting up the crucial test vote for this morning.

A confirmation vote follows on Friday, after which Congress shutters for a two-week recess.

The expected failure of the test vote sets the stage for Republican leaders to employ the "nuclear option," which would change Senate rules in order to advance the nomination -- and all subsequent Supreme Court nominees -- by a simple majority vote.

McConnell warned that the Democrats' filibuster could do something "truly detrimental to this body and to our country."

Democrats were "hurtling toward the abyss," he said, "and trying to take the Senate with them. They need to reconsider."