Senator Collins Makes Recommendation to Judiciary Committee Ahead of Monday’s Hearing

Click HERE for a PDF of Senator Collins’ letter

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) sent a letter to Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in advance of Monday’s hearing.  In her letter, Senator Collins respectfully recommends that counsel for Professor Christine Blasey Ford be allocated time to question Judge Brett Kavanaugh and that counsel for the Judge be granted equal time to question Professor Ford, followed by questions from Senators.

The text of Senator Collins’ letter is below:

Dear Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Feinstein:

The allegations raised by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford against Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh are serious, and therefore, I appreciate that the Committee has invited Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh to testify publicly and under oath before the Judiciary Committee.

I respectfully recommend that you invite the attorneys retained by Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh to pose questions during the hearing.  Dr. Ford’s attorney would be permitted to question Judge Kavanaugh, and Judge Kavanaugh’s attorney would question Dr. Ford.  Each would be permitted equal time to do so before Senators began their round of questions.  Such an approach would provide more continuity, elicit the most information, and allow for an in-depth examination of the allegations.

Thank you for your consideration of this proposal.

Sincerely,

Susan M. Collins

United States Senator

Click HERE for a PDF of Senator Collins’ letter.