Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is showing up on Monday no matter what, he said in a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley Thursday. He is eager to clear his name.
"I continue to want a hearing as soon as possible, so that I can clear my name," he wrote.
In fact, he was so eager to testify, that he reportedly told the committee in a private phone call on Monday, when Ford first came forth with her allegation, that he would talk the next day.
"Thank you for the invitation to appear before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on Monday, September 24," he said. "I will be there. I look forward to the opportunity to testify before the Committee."
Kavanaugh's accuser Christine Blasey Ford alleges that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party in high school, over 36 years ago. He has "emphatically denied" the charges, according to Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
While he's ready to talk, his accuser is not. Ford's lawyer Debra Katz said her client will not be coming on Monday. They sent their own letter to the committee alleging they were going to force her to sit at the same table as Kavanaugh. Grassley denied the charge. Ford and her attorneys also want to see the FBI investigate the matter. But, again, Grassley said that's not going to happen.
The committee did offer to interview her in her home in California to make her feel more comfortable. But, she has still not accepted the invitation to testify. While Monday is not an option, Ford's lawyer did suggest she could show up later in the week.
Senators are hoping she will change her mind.
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