Judge Kavanaugh Confirmation Delayed To Next Week Due To Monday Hearing Where Christine Blasey Ford And Judge Kavanaugh Will Speak On Allegations Of Sexual Assault

Posted on by Jennifer McMurray

Senators considering Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court will delay his confirmation to next week. On Monday, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford can speak in regards to allegations that Judge Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were both teenagers.

The allegation was revealed last week in an article in the New Yorker magazine. At the time of that article’s publication, Dr. Ford wished to remain anonymous, but she revealed her identity in an article in The Washington Post on Sunday.

The timing and anonymous nature of the article were originally brought in to question, however since Dr. Ford’s identity had been revealed, senators had begun to call for a delay in the confirmation hearing so that she could speak about the accusation.

Senator Jeff Flake, R-Arizona stated, “if they push forward without any attempt with hearing what she’s had to say, I’m not comfortable voting yes. We need to hear from her. And I don’t think I’m alone in this.”

Senator Bob Corker, R-Tennessee said that it “would be best for all involved, including the nominee… If she does want to be heard, she should do so promptly.”

Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska stated, “despite the length of time since the alleged incident, Dr. Ford’s allegations should be heard and she must have an opportunity to present her story before the committee under oath, with Judge Kavanaugh having the opportunity to respond under oath as well.”

Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine stated on Twitter that “Professor Ford and Judge Kavanaugh should both testify under oath before the Judiciary Committee”.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” data-lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Professor Ford and Judge Kavanaugh should both testify under oath before the Judiciary Committee.</p>&mdash; Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) <a href=”https://twitter.com/SenatorCollins/status/1041719261142679553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

President Trump, who nominated Judge Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court position vacated after Justice Anthony Kennedy retired, said he supports going through a full process to hear everybody out.

The President stated, “Judge Kavanaugh is one of the finest people that I’ve ever known. He’s an outstanding intellect, an outstanding judge, respected by everybody. Never had even a little blemish on his record. If it takes a little delay, it’ll take a little delay. It shouldn’t, certainly, be very much. It will, I’m sure, work out very well.”
The testimony of Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh will be heard on Monday, and the confirmation hearing will be held at some point after that.
The photograph in the header was taken by Brendan Smialowsky for Getty Images.