A number of Senate Democrats want an independent investigation into allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, arguing that testimony from both Kavanaugh and his accuser are not enough.
The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed the scheduled Thursday vote on Kavanaugh’s nomination after his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford came forward with her account and offered to testify before the committee.
Though Democrats were pleased that Republicans decided after initial pushback that a hearing would be held, they still think the FBI should investigate the allegations.
“My core question is: How do we make sure the FBI does their job and does a background check and thoroughly investigates this before we get to a hearing?” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who sits on the committee.
An FBI probe would ensure “there’s a professional investigation of the relevant facts,” he said.
Coons doubted the FBI could conduct an investigation of the alleged incident in less than one week, and said it’s “not yet clear the FBI is investigating” the allegation.
Democratic Sen. Doug Jones, who won a tough special election in red Alabama, backed the idea of a “full vetting” and investigation on top of a hearing.
Jones added that if the allegations are true, it would “absolutely” disqualify Kavanaugh.
“It’s a crime and that should be a disqualification in my view,” said Jones. “If those allegations are true that is serious serious criminal activity.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who also sits on the Judiciary Committee, seconded Coons’ call for the FBI to investigate, but didn’t say what next moves would be if the agency doesn’t pursue it.
“There has to be a full, fair FBI investigation, nothing else is acceptable at this point,” said Blumenthal. “That investigation should come before any hearing, otherwise we’re going to be shooting in the dark.”
