Reporting by CBS News’ Kathryn Watson, Alan He, John Nolen and Emily Tillett
Senators are reviewing the FBI’s report into Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s background following widespread demands for additional investigations into allegations of sexual assault. The review comes one day before a deadline set by the Senate Judiciary Committee and President Donald Trump.
Early Thursday, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, tweeted that the panel had received the report after White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said in a statement that the White House had transmitted the report to the Senate.
While senators will only have one copy of the report to review in a secure room in the basement of the U.S. Capitol, the White House says that senators have “ample time” to review the seventh background inquiry into Kavanaugh’s record. Senators on both sides are expected to view with report in one-hour increments in an effort to limit the possibility of potential leaks.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell filed a motion Wednesday for a cloture vote on Kavanaugh for Friday. Those close to the situation now anticipate a confirmation vote to come some time Saturday. Precise scheduling will come from Leader McConnell.
