Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he would recommend Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas or Mike Lee of Utah for a potential opening on the U.S. Supreme Court, citing both lawmakers’ legal backgrounds and conservative credentials.

Grassley made the remarks in an interview as questions circulate about whether Justice Samuel Alito, who has served on the court since 2006, may step down. While expressing hope that Alito remains on the bench, Grassley said Republicans are preparing for the possibility of a vacancy and are positioned to move quickly through the confirmation process.

Both Cruz and Lee currently serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would oversee any nomination. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that Republicans would have the votes and timeline necessary to confirm a nominee before the next midterm elections if a vacancy arises.

Lee downplayed speculation about his own potential nomination, instead praising Alito’s tenure on the court and expressing support for him to remain in his position.

Recent attention on Alito has followed reports that the 76-year-old justice sought medical evaluation after feeling ill during an event in Philadelphia last month. A court spokesperson said the visit was precautionary, and Alito has since returned to his normal duties, including participating in oral arguments.

Grassley said he has not discussed the matter directly with the Trump administration but emphasized that the Judiciary Committee stands ready to act if needed. A potential Supreme Court vacancy would likely trigger a high-stakes confirmation battle, with significant implications for the ideological balance of the court.