Sanders Statement on Kavanaugh Cloture Vote

Friday, October 5, 2018

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement Friday after the Senate voted 51-49 to advance Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"I voted against proceeding on Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation for a number of reasons.

"First, I have no doubt that Kavanaugh will become a part of the hard-right majority on the Supreme Court which has cast decision after decision in favor of the wealthy and the powerful and against the needs of working families, women, the environment, campaign finance reform, children and the poor.

"Second, there are very credible allegations of sexual assault which I believe have not been fully investigated. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford courageously testified last week about being sexually assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh. Yet, she has since been mocked by President Trump and the FBI under the White House’s direction did a much too limited investigation. They did not even interview Judge Kavanaugh or Dr. Ford. How can you have an investigation of a potential crime and not talk to one of the victims?

"Third, I think the evidence is clear that on a number of occasions Judge Kavanaugh has not told the truth to the Judiciary Committee regarding a wide variety of issues. Regardless of philosophy, it is not acceptable that somebody appointed to the Supreme Court lie to the U.S. Congress.

"In our nation’s history, only 113 people have served on the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is not worthy of joining those ranks and receiving a lifetime appointment on the court."

https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-statement-on-kavanaugh-cloture-vote