Senate pushes through Gorsuch as Supreme Court nominee

Republicans in the US Senate have invoked the so-called 'nuclear option' in order push through the confirmation of Donald Trump's pick to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court.

Judge Neil Gorsuch was chosen by Trump for the seat left vacant by the death of Antonin Scalia last year, but faced stern opposition from Democrats in the chamber.

The historic change will see the ability of senators to filibuster a supreme court nominee removed, paving the way for Gorsuch to succeed in a final vote.

Judge Neil Gorsuch was chosen by Trump for the seat left vacant by the death of Antonin Scalia last year

Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have bickered for much of the last 12 months after Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland was blocked by the former, who have retained a majority in the upper house.

Democrats have raised doubts about some of Gorsuch’s decisions during his time on the 10th circuit close of appeal, particularly his rulings related to corporate interests.

Prominent Republican Senator John McCain said the invoking of the drastic action was a "regrettable setback" for democracy in the US but said that his side was left with no option.

"Today’s vote to eliminate the 60-vote threshold on Supreme Court nominations represents a regrettable setback for the institution of the United States Senate," Mccain said in a statement.

Democratic leaders hit out at their counterparts' actions, with minority leader Chuck Schumer insisting that "the responsibility for changing the rules will fall on the Republicans and Leader McConnell’s shoulders."