In the aftermath of the messy and politically charged confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has formally requested that the Department of Justice and the FBI investigate Michael Avenatti and his client, Julie Swetnick. Swetnick signed a sworn affidavit alleging that now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh drugged and groped women at parties while in high school.

Grassley’s call is not only the correct one, but it will also enhance the credibility of women coming forward with sexual misconduct allegations against high-profile men in the future. By establishing that there will be criminal consequences for liars, Grassley is already helping ensure that future allegations will be taken more seriously.