"saw Republicans change the rules for approving high court picks — over the fierce objection of Democrats"
Fudge
They did not change the rules they followed them.
The rule for debate cloture was changed from 60 to 50 percent.  This was done by following the rule for changing this rule.
The rule for confirmation was simple majority and they followed it in confirming the judge.
A better report might have read
"saw Republicans changing the rule for debate cloture, bringing it in line with the current rules for other kinds of debate cloture.  The judge was then confirmed using the current simple majority rule vote."