Feinstein on Bounds Nomination, Need for Kavanaugh Documents

Washington—Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement on the importance of reviewing a nominee’s full record:

“I’m pleased the nomination of Ryan Bounds for the 9th Circuit was withdrawn. He was a deeply flawed nominee who concealed his views during the nominations process, which is why I strongly opposed him in committee.

“Bounds was specifically asked whether there was anything controversial in his record, and despite having written racially-insensitive articles in college, he said ‘there was nothing to worry about.’ Only after his interview with the bipartisan committee in Oregon were his controversial writings made public.

“If Republicans agreed that Bounds is not qualified because of what he wrote in college, how could they possibly argue that material from Brett Kavanaugh’s time in the White House and as a political operative aren’t relevant?

“Full disclosure of all information, including documents and answers to questions asked of judicial nominees, are vital to the Senate fulfilling its ‘advice and consent’ role. If Republicans are so concerned about the speed at which Kavanaugh is considered, they should get on board with a request for all documents related to Kavanaugh’s record as soon as possible.”

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