Washington, D.C. — In response to recent allegations about a sexual assault involving Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, published reports indicate that the Senate Judiciary Committee has proposed to have Judge Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford—who has brought these allegations to light—testify this upcoming Monday. These same reports indicate that the committee expects to hear testimony from both witnesses, followed quickly by a vote on the Kavanaugh nomination within 24 to 48 hours. One proposal from Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) even suggests a cross-examination of Ford by Judge Kavanaugh’s attorney. Jocelyn Frye, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement in response to these developments:
The proposals being floated by the Senate majority are utterly shameful and do an enormous disservice to all those who care about sexual assault and harassment and all Americans. The process that the current Senate Judiciary Committee is proposing to consider the allegations raised by Dr. Blasey Ford is even more disrespectful than the process used to consider Professor Anita Hill’s allegations 27 years ago.
Such a dismissive approach speaks volumes about the committee’s lack of seriousness about the allegations and sends a disturbing message to survivors of sexual violence across the country.
The fact that such a flawed process is under consideration at the same time that we have been engaged in a robust, national conversation about sexual violence and harassment over the past year shows that the committee has not been listening to the voices of millions of women and men who have told their stories. Issues involving sexual violence—and the survivors who must deal with these issues over a lifetime—deserve more than a check-the-box hearing and rushed vote. They deserve a thoughtful, thorough effort to uncover the truth and discuss the issues in an intelligent, honest manner.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, please contact Colin Seeberger at [email protected] or 202-741-6292.