US Senate set to vote on judge

The US Senate is expected to vote soon on whether to limit debate and move toward the final confirmation of President Donald Trump's choice of federal Judge Neil Gorsuch to take a seat on the US Supreme Court.

Democrats are expected to thwart the Republican effort by denying the 60 votes needed in the 100-member chamber to advance Gorsuch.

If so, Republicans are expected to take the rare step of changing Senate rules so that they can advance the nomination with a minimum of 51 Republican votes, which would clear the way for Gorsuch's confirmation on Friday.

The vote is expected to happen at 11am on Thursday in Washington (1am Friday AEST).