The Senate Judiciary Committee has voted in favor of Elana Kagan to become a Supreme Court justice.
In a 13-6 vote the committee gave the go-ahead for President Obama's pick to replace retiring justice John Paul Stevens.
The vote was nearly straight along party lines, with one Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina siding with the Democrats.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, (R) Texas, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Republican Leadership, voted 'no' on Kagan.
"In my view, that decision must be based on a standard of excellence. To be confirmed, a nominee must establish that she would adhere to a proper judicial philosophy. The nominee must establish through her testimony, through her judicial and non-judicial writing, and through her experience, that she would exercise the judicial power of a Supreme Court justice with a deep understanding of both judicial restraint and the need to enforce our written Constitution. Elena Kagan falls short of that standard."
Cornyn went on to say that Kagan's testimony about her judicial philosophy was vague and open to multiple interpretations.
"Solicitor General Kagan's testimony before the Judiciary Committee did not assure me that she agrees with the traditional understanding of the proper role of a judge."
Now the full Senate is to vote on Kagan. If confirmed, Kagan would become the fourth woman to serve on the high court.
A video clip of Cornyn's remarks during the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting is available to view that clip click here.
