WASHINGTON (AP) – It was a steady demand of Democrats at Thursday’s Senate hearing on sexual assault claims against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh: that an FBI background investigation into Kavanaugh should be reopened.
Democrats say that’s critical to finding the truth between the accounts of Kavanaugh and his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford. Republicans say it’s unnecessary and a delaying tactic aimed at sinking Kavanaugh’s nomination.
In fact, a reopened FBI investigation could help clarify the contradictory accounts. But it isn’t the silver bullet Democrats seem to suggest it would be.
A look at what a reopened FBI investigation would and wouldn’t do:
Local Reactions
“I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh because of his 26 years of distinguished public service and his reputation as a superior jurist, lawyer and teacher. Judge Kavanaugh denies under oath Dr. Ford’s account of an alleged incident 36 years ago. The FBI has conducted six background investigations of Judge Kavanaugh since that alleged incident and found no such conduct. Every person Dr. Ford alleges was present at the incident says under penalty of a felony it didn’t happen. Senate Democrats have treated Judge Kavanaugh as innocent until nominated. They have victimized Judge Kavanaugh and Dr. Ford and their families. They have diminished the United States Senate by their embarrassing irresponsibility.” – United States Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)”I believe those who come forward with allegations of sexual assault deserve to be heard. That is why I was one of the first members of the Senate to call on the judiciary committee to delay the original vote on the nomination so that both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh could provide additional information. I know it took courage for Dr. Ford to appear before the committee today. I also very strongly believe that Judge Kavanaugh, like all Americans, deserves the presumption of innocence and that it was equally as important for him to have the opportunity to address the charges and defend himself. While both individuals provided compelling testimony, nothing that has been presented corroborates the allegation. There is no question that Judge Kavanaugh is qualified to serve on the Supreme Court, and in a different political environment, he would be confirmed overwhelmingly. I believe Judge Kavanaugh has conducted himself as well as anyone could expect throughout this process and plan to vote to confirm him.” – U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.)