One week after testimony by Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, the FBI report is in and the Senate is preparing for a vote.
Sen. Chuck Grassley tweeted this morning that “Supplemental FBI background file for Judge Kavanaugh has been received” and it will be kept in a secure room at the Capitol for all Senators to review.
Supplemental FBI background file for Judge Kavanaugh has been received by @senjudiciary Ranking Member Feinstein & I have agreed to alternating EQUAL access for senators to study content from additional background info gathered by non-partisan FBI agents 1/3
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) October 4, 2018
FBI supplement requested Friday sept 28 by bipartisan group of senators w specific scope of current/credible allegations. Dr Ford & Judge Kavanaugh had opportunity to testify under oath b4 public/cmte to tell senators what they know 2/3
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) October 4, 2018
This FBI material will b handled per 2009 memorandum of understanding/MOU signed btwn Obama WHCounsel & then-SJC Chairman Leahy. Thats latest memorialization of this “loan agreement” of ExecBranch material. Feinstein, Durbin, Schumer, & others were on SJC in 09 & didnt object 3/3
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) October 4, 2018
In a statement on his web site, he also said, ““I’ve now received a committee staff briefing on the FBI’s supplement to Judge Kavanaugh’s background investigation file. There’s nothing in it that we didn’t already know. ”
“These uncorroborated accusations have been unequivocally and repeatedly rejected by Judge Kavanaugh, and neither the Judiciary Committee nor the FBI could locate any third parties who can attest to any of the allegations. There’s also no contemporaneous evidence.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed a cloture motion late Wednesday evening that will set in motion the full Senate vote.
I just filed cloture on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. There will be plenty of time for Members to review and be briefed on this supplemental material before a Friday cloture vote.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) October 4, 2018
Ford’s lawyers refused to provide her therapist’s notes, telling Senator Grassley that they would only turn them over to the FBI when she was interviewed. Neither Kavanaugh or Ford were interviewed by the FBI during the background investigation, so many viewed the denial as another delay tactic.
New letter from Christine Blasey Ford’s lawyers to @ChuckGrassley. pic.twitter.com/ORBaLPiAw2
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) October 3, 2018
Ford’s lawyers also sent a letter to the FBI saying, “It is inconceivable that the FBI could conduct a thorough investigation of Dr. Ford’s allegations without interviewing her, Judge Kavanaugh, or the witnesses we have identified in our letters to you.”
Letter to FBI from Ford's lawyers: "It is inconceivable that the FBI could conduct a thorough investigation of Dr. Ford’s allegations without interviewing her, Judge Kavanaugh, or the witnesses we have identified in our letters to you." https://t.co/A5dN8pInTx pic.twitter.com/KPEPHCW8vK
— Mike Scarcella (@MikeScarcella) October 2, 2018
Following the release of the report, President Trump tweeted “This is now the 7th. time the FBI has investigated Judge Kavanaugh. If we made it 100, it would still not be good enough for the Obstructionist Democrats.”
This is now the 7th. time the FBI has investigated Judge Kavanaugh. If we made it 100, it would still not be good enough for the Obstructionist Democrats.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2018
The harsh and unfair treatment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh is having an incredible upward impact on voters. The PEOPLE get it far better than the politicians. Most importantly, this great life cannot be ruined by mean & despicable Democrats and totally uncorroborated allegations!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2018
A confirmation vote could come as early as Friday.