Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who will be a key vote in Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation process, said Wednesday that the woman accusing Kavanaugh of sexual assault in high school, Christine Blasey Ford, should testify before the Senate about it in whatever setting she is comfortable in, either public or private.
“I hope that Dr. Ford will reconsider and testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday,” she tweeted. “It is my understanding that the Committee has offered to hold either a public or a private session, whichever would make her more comfortable.”
I hope that Dr. Ford will reconsider and testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. It is my understanding that the Committee has offered to hold either a public or a private session, whichever would make her more comfortable.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) September 19, 2018
Sen. Collins also reportedly argued that it wouldn't be fair to Judge Kavanaugh if Ford refused to testify.
Sen. Susan Collins, who would be a crucial vote for Kavanaugh, pushes back on Christine Blasey Ford's request for an FBI investigation before a hearing. "I think it's not fair for Judge Kavanaugh for her not to come forward and testify."
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) September 19, 2018
Ford alleged in a letter that Kavanaugh groped her and put his hand over her mouth while he was drunk during a party in high school. She initially tried to remain anonymous but decided to grant an interview with the Washington Post and give her name after the allegations were leaked.
Her lawyers sent a letter to Senate Judiciary chairman Chuck Grassley Tuesday evening alleging that the committee wanted her to testify at the same table as Kavanaugh. She declined to do this and is also demanding an FBI investigation into the incident before she testifies despite the FBI previously declining to investigate the incident.
Grassley said the committee never planned to put her at the same table as Kavanaguh and gave her ample opportunity to testify before them either publicly or privately.
He also pointed out that the “FBI considers the matter closed.”