Kavanaugh Nomination Hits Snag After Republicans Agree To FBI Probe

Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination has been stalled on the Senate floor after GOP leadership agreed Friday afternoon to an FBI investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against the Supreme Court nominee. Earlier in the day, the Judiciary Committee approved Kavinaugh’s advancement by a vote of 11-10 along party line. 

Immediately before the Committee voted, GOP Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona – who is not running for reelection – attempted to push for a delay pending an FBI investigation, however he was unsuccessful after Chairman Grassley rushed the vote. 

Flake then vowed to vote no on the full floor decision, and was joined by GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, just one day after Dianne Feinstein cornered her in a hallway for an apparent “talking to.” 

While walking into Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a key vote, said “yes,” when asked if she supports Sen. Jeff Flake’s proposal for a delay.

CNN asked: And do you think it should be limited to Ford’s accusations or should it include an investigation into other allegations?

Murkowski responded: “I support the FBI having an opportunity to bring some closure to this.” –CNN

With a slim majority in the Senate of 51-49, the GOP would have been unable to push ahead with a Kavanaugh vote without at least Flake or Murkowski’s support, as Vice President Mike Pence could break a tie in a deadlock. 

The move by Flake, a frequent Trump critic who is retiring from the Senate after this year, was cheered by several Democrats, including Sen. Chris Coons (Del.), a fellow member of the Judiciary Committee.

“He and I dont share a lot of political views but we share a deep concern for the health of this institution and what it means to the rest of the world and the country,” said Coons, who huddled with Flake before he announced his position. –WaPo

When asked Friday afternoon what he thought about the delay, President Trump said “I’m going to let the Senate handle that,” insisting that he would not get involved in pressuring the dissenting GOP senators to vote either way. 

Developing…  

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