In the US system, the Senate must approve presidential nominations to most federal courts. The hearing in the 18-member committee, expected to last at least until today, is the first step, supposedly laying groundwork on which the 100 senators can base their votes.
In his testimony, Alito seemed polished and well-prepared to face the Democrats' hostility. He was pressed repeatedly for his views on abortion, one of touchiest questions in US politics.
"I would approach the question with an open mind, and I would listen to the arguments that were made," he told one senator.
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