Senator Chuck Grassley: No need for the FBI to investigate Kavanaugh's allegation

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, dismissed calls for the FBI to investigate an alleged sexual assault claim against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, claiming that Ford investigators Speak to lawmakers in the coming days.

"We offered Dr. Ford the opportunity to share his story with the committee, as his lawyer said yesterday, she was willing to do that," Grassley said in a statement on Tuesday. "We offered her a public or private hearing, as well as staff-led interviews, which made her most comfortable. The invitation for Monday is still topical.

But, he continued, "Dr. Ford's testimony would reflect his personal knowledge and memory of events. Nothing that the FBI or any other investigator would do would affect what Dr. Ford says to the committee, so there is no reason to delay further.

Senator Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) Echoed Grassley's comments Tuesday night.

"When Dr. Ford came forward, I said that his voice should be heard and asked the Judiciary Committee to postpone his vote on Judge Kavanaugh," he said. tweeted. "He did it. I'm now begging Dr. Ford to accept the invitation for Monday, in a public or private setting. The committee should hear its voice.

Flake was the first GOP senator to suggest postponing Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing, which was previously scheduled for this week.

Legislators' comments came a few hours after the psychology professor, who goes through Christine Blasey, said she wanted the FBI to investigate the incident before testifying before the committee.

Blasey accused Kavanaugh of having sexually assaulted her at a party while they were both in high school in the 1980s.

The Republicans invited Blasey and Kavanaugh to testify before the Judiciary Committee on Monday, but resisted efforts to bring in additional witnesses who could bring more detail to the accounts.

"A thorough investigation by law enforcement officials will ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this case are evaluated in a non-partisan manner and that the committee is fully informed before conducting a hearing or taking any action. decisions, "wrote Blasey's lawyers. letter to the committee, the content of which was reported by several media.

The Washington Post noted that the letter did not indicate whether it would refuse the committee's invitation if an FBI investigation did not take place.

The Ministry of Justice alluded to Tuesday that it did not intend to reopen its substantive investigation into Kavanaugh, telling NPR that the FBI "does not judge the credibility or the importance of the allegations".

"The purpose of a background investigation is to determine if the candidate could pose a risk to the national security of the United States," the agency said. "The allegation does not involve any potential federal crime. The role of the FBI in this area is to provide information to decision makers. "

The Democrats supported Blasey's request, however, accusing the GOP of rushing the process while trying to put Blasey on the national scene before the allegations could be verified.

"I support Dr. Blasey Ford's request for an FBI background investigation before a hearing," Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) Said on Twitter on Tuesday. "She should not be forced to participate in a biased process and we should not rush before the facts are collected."

This story has been updated to include Senator Jeff Flake's tweet.