The Senate Judiciary Committee has formally postponed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination after reaching a deal on a hearing with Christine Blasey Ford, the woman accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Aides for Grassley said that as a result of getting a deal with Ford to testify publicly on Thursday, the Monday vote will be postponed.
Grassley’s staff did not say for when the vote would be rescheduled, but it would likely be delayed until at least next week. Republicans hold a one-seat majority on the committee, meaning if they all vote for Kavanaugh he would get the support needed to be reported favorably to the full Senate.
Ford’s legal team said they were “committed” to attending a public hearing on Thursday at 10 a.m. and had made “important progress” during a call with Judiciary Committee staff on Sunday.
“Despite actual threats to her safety and her life, Dr. Ford believes it is important for senators to hear directly from her about the sexual assault committed against her,” they said in a statement.
“A number of important procedural and logistical issues remain unresolved, although they will not impede the hearing taking place,” according to attorneys Debra Katz, Lisa J. Banks, and Michael R. Bromwich.
The hearing will include 45 minute breaks and Ford will be given dedicated security and have two counsels sitting with her.
The agreement between Ford and the Judiciary committee is the latest twist involving the sexual assault allegation that has roiled Kavanaugh’s nomination, which had appeared a lock for confirmation as recently as last week.