The decision to try to compel cooperation from a leading judicial activist and a Republican megadonor came over fierce G.O.P. opposition and threats of retaliation.

All 11 Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve subpoenas for Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo.

Democrats issued the subpoenas over heavy objections from Republicans, who called the subpoenas "an absolute joke."

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Democrats are expected on Thursday to vote on authorizing subpoenas to a pair of influential conservatives with ties to the U.S. Supreme Court as part of an ethics inquiry spurred by reports of undisclosed largesse directed to some conservative justices.

A Democratic-led U.S. Senate panel on Thursday authorized subpoenas to two influential conservatives - Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo - as part of an ethics inquiry spurred by reports of undisclosed largesse directed to some conservative Supreme Court justices.

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have voted to authorize subpoenas for two prominent conservatives who arranged luxury travel and other benefits for Supreme Court justices.