The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation process Friday afternoon; ending weeks of speculation after 11th hour revelations and a series of decades-old accusations.
The official tally was along party lines, 11-10.
In a stunning turn of events, multiple Senators -including Sen. Jeff Flake- are calling for a “one week” FBI investigation, “limited in time and scope” to probe Dr. Ford’s allegations against the potential Supreme Court Justice.
The vote comes just hours after Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Ford faced a series of questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee over allegations of sexual assault sometime in the early 1980s.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
BREAKING: Sen. Jeff Flake to ‘Vote Yes’ on Judge Brett Kavanaugh
Sen. Jeff Flake announced Friday morning he intends to “vote yes” to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court; throwing his support behind President Trump’s pick after allegations of sexual misconduct in the early 1980s derailed the nomination process.
According to the Washington Post, Flake claims he “left the hearing yesterday with as much doubt as certainty” but said the American justice system is based on the presumption of innocence.
“When Dr. Ford’s allegations against Judge Kavanaugh surfaced two weeks ago, I insisted that she be allowed to testify before the committee moved to a vote,” said Flake. “Yesterday, we heard compelling testimony from Dr. Ford, as well as a persuasive response from Judge Kavanaugh. I wish that I could express the confidence that some of my colleagues have conveyed about what either did or did not happen in the early 1980s, but I left the hearing yesterday with as much doubt as certainty.”
“What I do know is that our system of justice affords a presumption of innocence to the accused, absent corroborating evidence. That is what binds us to the rule of law,” he added. “I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh.”
KAVANAUGH'S TURN: Dr. Ford Wraps Testimony, Judge Kavanaugh Set to Appear
Dr. Christine Ford officially ended her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday afternoon; describing in detail her allegations of sexual assault by Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the early 1980s.
Ford faced a series of questions from Republican-appointed attorney Rachel Miller about key details of the attack; including those in attendance, the location of the party, her whereabouts immediately after, and more.
Sen. @ChuckGrassley to Dr. Ford on the conclusion of her testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee: "I thank you very much for your testimony. More importantly for your bravery coming out." pic.twitter.com/wNaCTQydX9
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 27, 2018
“I thank you very much for your testimony. More importantly for your bravery coming out,” said Chairman Chuck Grassley.
Democrat Senators largely used their five-minute segments to submit documents of support towards Dr. Ford from friends, family, and business associates.
Sen. @KamalaHarris to Dr. Ford: "I want to thank you for your courage and I want to tell you I believe you." pic.twitter.com/C5inSoi6wC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 27, 2018