Democratic senators, repeatedly raising the blocked elevation of Merrick Garland, set a critical tone Monday as the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Judge Neil Gorsuch got underway in Washington on Capitol Hill.

Republicans praised Gorsuch as a nominee who deserved quick approval. Democrats in their opening statements made few positive remarks. The Senate Judiciary Committee wants to vote April 3 on Gorsuch’s nomination, weeks before the U.S. Supreme Court is set to wrap up its argument calendar.