It’s been quite an emotional day in America as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford took the stand before the Senate Judiciary Committee to describe her alleged sexual assault at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The hearings today have prompted dozens of House members to ramp up their demand that Sen. Mitch McConnell postpone the confirmation hearings until the FBI conducts an investigation into multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and assault that have been levied against the former frat boy Kavanaugh.
Ford and two other women, Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick, have come forward in recent days to describe horrific acts allegedly committed by Kavanaugh, who was nominated to the Supreme Court by a president who has himself been accused of sexual assault and misconduct. Kavanaugh has denied everything and .
Local U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman is one of the 65 congressional Democrats to sign the statement sent to McDonnell today. He sent along the statement this afternoon, which reads, in part: “These courageous women have nothing to gain by speaking their truth and every reason to stay silent and avoid the harassment and death threats they are currently receiving for coming forward.” McConnell has assured Kavanaugh supporters that he will be seated on the bench. Today’s hearing may perhaps throw that assurance into doubt.
Downstate U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu signed the statement, as did U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, from Riverside. Those are a few of the handful of men who signed it. U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, whose congressional district comprises Santa Rosa, did not sign the statement calling for McConnell to pause the proceedings, nor did Nancy Pelosi. Â
