World Bulletin / News Desk

The US Senate on Friday confirmed Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, ending a bruising year-long political battle and presenting President Donald Trump with a welcome victory.

Republicans and a handful of Democrats delivered at least 53 votes in favor of Gorsuch to get him across the finish line in the 100-member chamber, one day after opposition Democrats launched a historic blockade of the nominee.

The Republican leadership countered with the so-called "nuclear option," a maneuver that changed Senate rules so that advancing Gorsuch -- and all subsequent Supreme Court nominees -- to a final vote requires a simple majority of 51 votes, rather than the traditional 60-vote threshold.