Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch gave his opening statement on Monday to the Senate Judiciary Committee during the first set of hearings for his nomination.
Gorsuch began his statement by thanking everyone who influenced his career.
"Thank you. I also want to thank the President and Vice President. They and their teams have been so gracious to me and I thank them for this honor. I want to thank Senators Bennet and Gardner and General Katyal for their introductions. Reminding us that, long before we are Republicans or Democrats, we are Americans," Gorsuch said.
Gorsuch thanked his wife, Louise, his daughters, his extended family, and his parents.
"[My mother] taught me that headlines are fleeting, courage lasts. My dad taught me that success in life, has very little to do with success, kindness, he showed me, is a great virtue," he said.
Gorsuch then explained how his colleagues influenced his career.
"These judges taught me about the rule of law and the importance of an independent judiciary, how hard our forebearers worked to win these things, how easy they are to lose, and how every generation must either take its turn carrying the baton or watch it fall," Gorsuch said.
Gorsuch brought up how people view judges as politicians in robes trying to benefit their own agendas, but clarified that is not the case.
"These days we sometimes hear judges cynically described as politicians in robes seeking to enforce their own politics rather than striving to apply the law impartially. The truth is, I just don't think that's what a life in the law is about," said Gorsuch.
Gorsuch backed up his point saying he has seen judges work day and night worrying over their cases, and trying their best to uphold the law. Gorsuch calls the law "truly a wonder," even with its certain imperfections.
"For all its imperfections, the rule of law in this nation truly is a wonder, and it is no wonder that it is the envy of the world," Gorsuch said.