Feinstein on Republican ‘Bullying’ of Sexual Assault Survivor

Washington—Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after Republicans canceled Monday’s hearing and threatened to instead vote on his nomination unless Dr. Christine Blasey Ford agrees to their demands:

            “It’s clear that Republicans have learned nothing over the last 27 years. Bullying a survivor of attempted rape in order to confirm a nominee—particularly at a time when she’s receiving death threats—is an extreme abuse of power.

            “I’m shocked and appalled by the Republicans’ refusal to wait 24 hours for a hearing and instead rush forward with a vote on Monday. From the outset Republicans have tried to push through this nomination at all costs.

            “Now, in the face of allegations that Brett Kavanaugh and a friend may have sexually assaulted 15-year-old Christine Blasey Ford, Republicans are turning a blind eye to her story. First they announced a hearing before inviting her, now they’re ignoring her willingness to cooperate.

            “It’s clear that Republicans are doing all they can to cement another conservative seat on the Supreme Court—at any cost—even pushing through a nominee with a cloud of controversy hanging over his head. Brett Kavanaugh could serve on the court for 40 years, what’s another 24 hours to make sure we get this right?”

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