the presiding officer: the senate is adjourned until senate is adjourned until >> today the senate approved eight u.s. district court judicial nominees. live coverage of the senate when they're back in session here on c-span2. also today the senate judiciary committee has been meeting on supreme court nominee brett kavanaugh. after the hearings are complete, the committee will vote on confirmation and send its recommendation to the full senate. >> frankly, when i walked into thes room, how that would work. and it worked great in terms of the reaction i got and also in terms of, i think, the real world results. the way i thought about it is if i make a difference even for one clerk or one student, it's worth it -- >> o sure. >> and i've kept it up year after year. i also teach at harvard law school, and i'm proud of the results. i think, i think it's made, you know, again, a small difference, but it's one person at a time, one clerk at a time, one student at a time. andne i think hopefully by talkg about it in this forum, i can efforts of that nature which are really just recruiting efforts

with nearly two decades experience in the senate serving alongside john mccain senator kyle is the paired to hit the ground running. over the last few months senator kyle has been working closely with white house on the senate confirmation of president donald trump's nominee to the us supreme court, brett kavanaugh. now, senator kyle can cast a vote for cavanaugh's confirmation. senator kyle is a beacon of integrity and highly regarded by people on both sides of the aisle. they are able to work across party lines to get results. there is a reason you considered one of the senators in the country because he was. he's an expert on the matters facing arizona. water, land use, and issues facing our native american communities. i want someone who will enter and lead on those conversations. for those reasons i've asked senator john kyle to step forward once again in the spirit of service and to aid our state and serve in the seat vacated by arizona most beloved adopted s son, john mccain. people automatically assume that this appointment will serve through 2020. i have not been able to get that

senator klobuchar was the only senator who requested the release of specific documents. and we secured their release. as she told me yesterday, she gets an a for her cooperation. she does get an a for her cooperation. every senator who complained about this process needs to only look to senator klobuchar as an example to see that my process was fair and would have resulted in publicly release of documents before the hearing if they had only asked me. but yesterday and i think we've accommodated these senators, but senator leahy, coons, blumenthal and booker asked that i obtain the public release of certain confidential documents. and i've attempted to do so, despite the untimely request, these senators could have made the same request last week, but that would have deprived them of more talk that they've been able to express. about my hiding of documents. with respect to senator booker's question to judge cavanaugh, my friend from new jersey asked the nominee to answer some questions regarding an email exchange from over 15 years ago. without showing the nominee the emai

to the senate: under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable john boozman, a senator from the state of arkansas, to perform the duties of the chair. signed: orrin g. hatch, president pro tempore. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the senate will be in a period of morning session with senators permitted to speak therein for up to ten minutes each. the presiding officer: the senator from mississippi is recognized. mr. wicker: i suggest the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: mrs. murray: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from washington. mrs. murray: mr. president, i ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be lifted. the presiding officer: without objection. mrs. murray: mr. president, like millions of people across the country, i watched the hearing yesterday with a mix of so many strong emotions. first, i watched dr. ford with tears in my eyes. she was so brave, so compelling, so real. the memories that she recounted, the memories that she

that's not the process we have in the senate. but, you know, it would be an interesting instructive moment. i want to point out it's likely more people, women and men -- that is to say something that happened once that is terrible and that they've never spoken about again rarlgt than something systematic that had witnesses, that had a whole trail to it, which is what happened with anita hill. there are a lot of people who had a terrible thing happen to them that will go to their grave not telling anyone. and what i hope happens in these hearings these people are not confirmed in their belief that's what they have to do, that they learn there's a way they can come forward and talk about these things that happened with them. because until we have full testimony about theme's experiences, we're not going to be able to get better as a society. >> thank you very much for joining us on this important night. please come back and share more of your thoughts with us. >>> coming up congressman adam schiff will join us on president trump's

host: part of the bill, part of the senate bill includes the u.s. postal service stepping up on the importation of illegal opioids from outside the u.s. talk to us about what that is about. guest: that's in senator rob portman's bill. suites and a huge influx in fentanyl coming into the country. we have seen a huge influx of fentanyl coming into the country. people are using it to lace all kinds of drugs. some people are taking fentanyl not even knowing they are taking fentanyl and it is fatal. we have seen deaths skyrocket from fentanyl use. this would give the u.s. postal service authority to inspect the packages to stop the inflow. host: scott calling from new york. go ahead. caller: good morning. this problem was caused by the pharmaceutical companies years ago. in the 1990's, i was living in tennessee, they came out with oxycontin and told us it was nonaddictive. somebody who has experimented with drugs all their life -- once you take them for a while, you get accustomed to them, they make you feel high and good. in 2002, i didn't touch any opi

live coverage now of the senate here on c-span2. >> the president pro tempore: the senate will come to order. the chaplain, dr. barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. lord of our being, on yesterday as we remembered september 11, we also felt gratitude for your sovereignty over the affairs of humanity. may our lawmakers trust in your unfolding providence to continue to sustain this land we love and guide our world. lord, disentangle our senators from life's turmoil, inspiring them to focus on accomplishing your purposes lord, give them the wisdom to find time to read sacred scriptures. remind them that they belong to you, as you draw them daily nearer to yourself. we pray in your great name. amen. the president pro tempore: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. mr. mcconnell

the senate. he is at brett kavanaugh's side every minute of it day, but don mcgahn is now c. boyden gray. donald trump doesn't know what an fbi investigation is so we still don't have an fbi investigation. >> well, it would seem that the fbi doesn't really do that. they've investigated -- >> they would if you asked them to, mr. president. >> they've investigated about six times before and it seems they don't do that. >> would you consider asking them -- >> well, i would let the senators take their course. they're doing a good job. and it's really it's up to the senate and i really rely on them. i think they're going to do a good job. >> no, it's not up to the senate. an fbi investigation of a possible rape attempt, in this case, is actually up to the self-confessed sexual assaulter who is currently the president of the united states. joining our discussion now jill wine-banks and also joining us joyce vance, a former u.s. attorney for the northern district of alabama and professor at the universi

i will vote for him on the floor of the senate? guest: there's a lot that has been made of some interacts -- interactions flake has had in the capital with folks who have become folk heroes. i think there's something to that. jeff flake is also less politically beholden than some other senators because he is not running for reelection. he is on his way out in a few months. i think he sat down and talked to members of the minority, and where as most republicans on the committee have essentially approached the democrat's request for further fbi investigation as a partisan political move, and there is some reason to believe that, i think flake in his conversations with some members of the minority, made the judgment that this was the kind of thing that would be the right move to make a good faith in order to try to heal some of the rage and partisan animus. we will see what happens. i think his intentions were on the up and up at the least. host: one of the things that anyone who watches the senate knows is that senators do not like t

you know in the senate time is of the essence. mcconnell was look ing at the calendar and the senator said we've got to get this done quickly. he told the white house, based on my reporting, that kavanagh had too many documents in his history going back to his time in the bush white house. mcconnell's people tell me he couldn't predict this kind of allegation would come up, but he was looking for someone like from kentucky mcconnell fafrtd favorite to move it through the senate. this is just months before the midterm elections. >> the republicans in the senate, mitch mcconnell was in the senate at the time of the anita hill hearings, hatch was. they didn't spend a minute of thinking about what happens in the next version of an anita hill hearing in the senate judiciary committee and they suddenly have to try to figure it out on the fly. >> that's exactly right. as one republican senator told me today that they thought kavanagh and they still believe he is in their view, squeaky clean, there wouldn't be an issue like this. now ther

it is senator flake working with all of us to say for the good of the senate and the good of the court, the american team deserve to have the facts followed up on. and i really appreciate his willingness to do that. and that is what this is about. this is simply about and by the way, if senator mcconnell wants to go forward in light of that and we still have several senators that haven't said how they are voting on this nominee, i actually think this is very important what just happened right now. it doesn't have to have an agreement. it is one senator who is standing up. >> senator cornyn? >> mr. chairman, i just want to express my appreciation to senator flake for allowing this process to move forward. there is some difference of opinion among us as to what exactly the fbi investigation would consist of. some of us think it has been concluded and sum element supplemented by this committee's investigation others disagree with that i respect the fact that not only senator flake advocated to give dr. ford a chance to appear in front of the committee, which was the right thing to do, but

the senate as the judge of his promotion. and as you may have noticed, it looked like kavanaugh the judge struggled to respect the judge in that process. whether he agrees with the process or not. so we're learning a lot about this nominee and what he really thinks and how much he is able to actually be independent of politics and whom he blames -- the clintons, the democrats for the vetting that he knew was coming. so this is all now a public record, and that's apart from any conclusions that the fbi will help investigate, the claims of sexual misconduct against kavanaugh by dr. ford and others. she also testified under oath yesterday under a different kind of strain that he was facing, and as many noticed, with a very different approach. as many noty different approach. i believed he was going to rape me. i tried to yell for help. when i did, brett put his hand over my mouth to stop me from yelling. this is what terrified me the most and has had the most lasting impact on my life. it was hard for me to breathe, and i though

senate here on c-span2. will lead the senate in prayer. the chaplain: let us pray. eternal god, whose mercy is great unto the heavens, help us to do what is right. may we not forget that you are the judge of the earth, and that we are accountable to you. protect us from our enemies for we place our trust in you. sustain our senators. surround them with the shield of your favor as they seek to live for your glory. hasten the day when your just rule of your kingdom shall fill the earth with health and life and peace. be exalted, o god, above the heavens. let your glory be over the earth. we pray in your great name. amen. the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: the clerk will read a communication to the senate. the clerk: washington d.c., september 18, 2018. to the senate: under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the sta

it is simply senator flake working with all of us to say for the good of the senate and the good of the court, the american people deserve to have the facts followed up on. i really appreciate his willingness to do that. to do that. this is simply about -- by the wantsf senator mcconnell to go forward and we have several senators that have not said how they are voting on this nominee, i think this is very important what is happening right now. it does not have to have an agreement. it is one senator standing up. >> senator cornyn? mypilot to express appreciation to senator flake for allowing this process to move forward. there is some difference of opinion about what exactly the fbi investigation would consist of. some of us think it has been concluded and supplemented by this committee's investigation. others disagree with that but i respect the fact that only senator flake advocated to give dr. ford a chance to appear in front of the committee, which was the right thing to do, but also he has allowed this process to move forward subject to further discussions about what the the eye ma

be obtained by the senate? he said the white house has directed that we not provide these documents. that is a direct interference in the advice and consent deliberations of the u.s. senate and all of us together, democrats and republicans, northern senators and southern senators, eastern coast, western coast, heartland, all of us should defend our responsibilities under the constitution to provide advice and consent, which means the ability to review the record of the nominee. and then there's a third occasion where defendant burke proceeded to label documents being presented to the senate as committee confidential. in fact, the committee consulted with him during the process to see what the extent of this was and why they were done. now, there is no index that provides information to the senate on why so many documents were blocked by burke from ever getting to us. that's logged, that index doesn't exist saying, yes, we looked at this document and here is why executive power prevails and there's no record or

the senate vote, it is paramount. when you are in a 51-49 senate, 51 republicans, 49 democrats, you don't know if jeff flake from arizona or lisa murkowski from alaska, or susan collins remain, those two, mitch mcconnell, we need to relate as long as we need to take here if you are in whatever format to clear this up. and and and and the republican from south carolina, we have problems with this guy. he said some racist things as an undergraduate in college and they called off the senate vote and withdrew his nomination. he wasn't confirmable. mitch mcconnell knows the math better than anybody in the senate and if he doesn't have those votes lined up and this could be her in another direction. >> if this three peel off, mitch mcconnell and republicans who know that they do not have the votes to pass this out of committee, what happens then. go ahead. >> it is more important on the floor of the committee, 11 republicans, 10 democrats, they have an unfavorable or not favorable rating on the supreme court. the most recen

in the texas senate race? steven: if ted cruz needs our help, we will be there. we will have to take some measurements of our own. he will not be for want of resources. jonathan: what does that say to you about the politics, that the mcconnell group might write to the rescue of ted cruz and 2018? steven: we protect no matter what. i think senator cruz has become more of a partner in the senate than in the past, less the gadfly. that has helped him politically in his state and in the caucus. alexi: when we were discussing the errors in a primary, you talked about the challenge of bringing together the republican coalition. it seems increasingly difficult for republicans, and we have seen many republican candidates mimic president trump. did you anticipate that would happen in the cycle? is importantnk it for republican candidates to be successful, particularly winning primaries, to be in line with the president overall ideologically. stylistically republican candidates have to do that. most may be outlined ideo

senator patrick leahy: i think the senate should be working the way it should be. i voted on 19 people over the years in the supreme court, republicans and democrats are . i voted for some, but not all. you have republicans and democrats talk about what is best for the country. what i worry about is that there is destruction in the integrity of the federal courts if any president can just politicize it. when president trump says i'm going to have this advocacy group give me the names of who they will accept and i will pick from there, no. you are picking not for a single issue or inefficacy advocacy group, you are picking for the united states, and i think that is what is hurting the country. also, the senate should stand up and do what they should do. i've heard senator saying look at this terrible thing. we forget republicans, a number of republicans voted against robert borer. some democrats voted for him. it all the republicans voted for him, he would have been confirmed. ronald reagan hoped he would dry his name. republicans said no, he should not be there and

to the senate. the fbi is the obvious agency because they are an investigative agency. another frustrating thing that we've heard from time to time, is the fbi only investigates federal crimes or crimes where there is a federal nexus or that occurs on federal property. yes, that is true, but the fbi can and is invited into local matters all the time. there is no reason the fbi can't take a hand in this, and their investigators are highly qualified. but they are not the only investigative body that can assist the senate in developing the facts and circumstances, narrowing the timeframe, doing the fact-finding that needs to be done in order to present a clearer picture with what occurred. ms. smeal: the federal question here is the confirmation of a supreme court justice. and it is traditional and is with precedent that they vet the nominees, and this should be a part of their whole procedure. and in fact, anita hill, they did in fact go back and try to vet it. this one, they are not even doing that.

it is simply senator flake working with all of us to say for the good of the senate and the good of the court, the american people deserve to have the facts followed up on. i really appreciate his willingness to do that. and that is what this is about. this is simply about -- and by the way, if senator mcconnell wants to go forward in light of that and we still have several senators that haven't said how they're voting on this nominee, i actually think this is very important what just happened right now. so it doesn't have to have an agreement. it is one senator who's standing up. senator grassley: senator cornyn. senator cornyn: i want to express my appreciation for senator flake for allowing this process to move forward. there are some differences of opinion what exactly the f.b.i. investigation would consist of. some of us think the -- it has been concluded and supplemented by this committee's investigation. others disagree with that, but i respect the fact that not only senator flake advocated to give dr. ford a chance to appear in front of the committee, which was the right thing t

to the senate? by the result of this, 11—10 to move forward to the senate ?|j by the result of this, 11—10 to move forward to the senate? i am not surprised it moved forward given jeff flake's surprised it moved forward given jeff fla ke's announcement surprised it moved forward given jeff flake's announcement earlier today he was going to vote yes, he would have to break his word to the people but he found a way to have a face—saving compromise and try and getan face—saving compromise and try and get an investigation. it's unprecedented but it's not terribly surprising in light of the conflicts he's been going through over the last week. what about this motion he put forward, were you expecting that? the argument is due diligence, fairenough? that? the argument is due diligence, fair enough? i think he had a last—minute change of heart after being ambushed by the sexual assault survivor in the elevator, he had already committed to voting yes and then she and would other things were going

for senators on the fence. they were hearing from skwents and he and sometimes loudly as we saw with the protesters. obviously so much energy and so much passion as liberals and people who are part of the democratic base are urging senators not to support brett kavanaugh and not to vote for him and alou his nomination to move forward, wolf? >> they are still deliberating behind closed doors outside the senate judiciary committee. looks like some of the members are leaving and they were supposed to vote about 10 minutes or so ago. clearly there is some disruption and a plan that the republican majority clearly wanted. the schedule that mitch mcconnell, the senate majority leader wanted to pass it at 11-10 this morning. it's now the afternoon. for there to be an important procedural vote setting the stage early next week for a final roll call for all 100 members of the senate. >> that's exactly right. the strategy has been frankly to jam this. which is why you have seen so many democrats understandably up in arms

of the next full senate floor vote and mitch mcconnell the senate leader. really has no obligation to make this happen as we've heard from president trump he's going to let the senate quote decide what's going to happen and like i said earlier this is a real double edged sword delaying the vote for another week could allow several both democratic and republican senators who have announced that they're on the fence about kavanaugh time to be persuaded against him which would not work and the republicans favor and then on the other hand this f.b.i. investigation could go forward and it could turn up nothing which in that case the republicans were able to turn to the democrats and say see what you did we had you know the supreme court that didn't have a full budget and you just delayed it and now we're going to simply vote to nominate him to nominate him to the bench anyway and the party dynamics are interesting because we've seen suddenly here senator jeff flake of arizona been thrust right into the middle of the straw earlier today in fact he was confronted

the senate is debating the nomination. despite the delay, mitch mcconnell forged an agreement with democrats a little early. the original plan had the senate getting the nomination from the committee and waiting over the nomination to get debate on brett kavanaugh but the senate won't be this weekend as was the original plan. a procedural vote to break a filibuster on monday and there won't be a big confirmation vote tuesday. what is notable about the timetable is what mitch mcconnell didn't do tonight. the republican moved to overcome a filibuster. the process takes four days. on day one you moved to cut out debate, a cloture petition the senate. a full calendar data lapse in between, the next day too. the vote to break the filibuster and end debate occurs on day 3. if the senate votes to crack the filibuster opponent of the nomination are allotted 30 hours to make their last stand. confirmation vote up or down is on day 4. that means we might not have a confirmation vote on brett kavanaugh until next weekend or even as l

of the senate or not. that is their function and their role, they are providing an opportunity for doctor ford who made this allegation to put it forward, or lawyers will give appropriate advice. >> senator doug jones in alabama said this. >> i'm absolutely stunned at why the republicans and the president is opposed to letting the fbi do what the fbi has done for decades, background checks on nominees. it is not unusual at all. >> >> i don't speak for the president. let's talk about what the fbi's job is, they do background checks. this is now public so the fbi has no jurisdiction. let's assume for the sake of this discussion if there was illegality, and there is no evidence, doctor ford said there is is, brett kavanaugh says there is not. the fbi does background checks, this information authority public so i think the appropriate thing to do is to allow doctor for the opportunity to address her allegations in a sitting she is comfortable with whether it is publicly or privately, under both, everybody is a

the presiding officer: the senator from idaho. a senator: mr. president, i rise today -- the presiding officer: the senate's in a quorum call. a senator: i ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be lifted. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. crapo: i rise today in support of elad roisman. on june 1, 2018, president trump announced his intention to nominate elad for the securities and exchange commission for a five-year term. he serves as chief counsel for the banking committee, and i can attest to his qualifications for this position. he has an impressive command of securities law, a keen intellect and work ethic and exhibited a steadfast commitment to doing what is right. these attributes were manifested during his nomination testimony a few weeks ago. he was subsequently voted out of the committee by voice vote with unanimous bipartisan support. as many on the banking commit know -- committee know, he is familiar with the s.e.c. having served as chief counsel at the nyseure know net. he is an especially qualified candidate. the s

to the senate judiciary committee. ms. ramirez's attorney says tonight, quote, deborah ramirez only came forward after being contacted by ronan farrow at the new yorker and carefully working through her memories, only to ensure her accuracy. we reached out to the senate judiciary committee to schedule a call to discuss how best to bring them that information. and they have refused to meet all scheduled appointments. hmm. we have officially requested an fbi investigation and our client remains adamant that that is the appropriate venue for her to discuss her drama. ms. ramirez is ready to swear to the fbi under penalty of perjury. why won't the senate judiciary committee welcome that? here her attorney's name is john clune. you can hear him asking out loud publicly why the senate judiciary committee, which is hearing the nomination of this man for the supreme court, why they wouldn't want to hear testimony from his client, why they wouldn't want to receive information from his client about that nominee that they are con

julie swetnick. >> that's a question you have to ask the senate. >> reporter: we asked the senate, the white house and fbi. i'm told by a senior u.s. official that the white house is the client in this process. that's how they are explaining it. this is not an fbi criminal invs. gai investigati investigation. it's a background investigation which the fbi is acting on behalf of the white house. they are in charge of it and there are concerns that it could, could determine or play a role in determining what if anything this fbi investigation turns up. >> driving the conversation today. jeff bennett, thank you very much. for more on this investigation i want to bring in jane. she's contributed to time magazine. dan, let me start with you and what jeff was talking about there. the white house has been described as the client. watching this unfold over the last 72 hours, there was uncertainty from the get-go. not everyone was clear what senator jeff flake was proposing. the confusion persists. who's in large of it, who's leading it? >> flstordinarily the fbi likes independence. likes to fol

he addresses this question of the role of the senate and he says the following. alexander hamilton, writing to explain the action, the design of the constitution in this letter to the people of new york in 1788. as alexander hamilton says, to what purpose then requires the cooperation of the senate. i answer that the necessity of their concurrence would have a powerful though in general style of operation. it would be an excellent check upon the spirit of favoritism in the president and would tend greatly to prevent the appointment of unfit characters. ..ay in his family or family connections or favoritism because he had a friendship. or respect for popularity triumphing over professional skills. so for all these reasons, the so for all these reasons, the so for all these reasons, the senate process in is to review the record of the individual and determine, as hamilton put it, is o that individual in its cart term or unfair character? we are here in the senate took an oath of office to uphold the constitution and certainly that means defending and exercising our

now, as in 1991, those in control of the senate judiciary committee and the senate itself are determined to rush through a supreme court candidate with inadequate time to examine serious and credible charges of sexual violence. 28 years ago, sexual harassment, with no consideration and no respect for the traumatic impact on the witness. and in this instance, with insufficient time for the fbi to talk to all relevant witnesses prior to the scheduling of a hearing. time has vindicated professor hill, and we should heed her wise words. senate judiciary should not fail to demonstrate its appreciation for both the seriousness of sexual harassment claims and the need for public confidence in the character of a nominee to the supreme court. it is pretty incredible to me that the judiciary committee's leadership seems unwilling to commit to obtaining the information it needs prior to hearing from dr. ford. i worked for the u.s. justice department in the mid-1990's, including work on judicial nominations. i handled a candidate about whom several people raised concerns regarding sexual harassment.

those are the words of arizona senator jeff flake, a key gop member of the senate judiciary committee about the proceedings to confirm supreme court nominee brett kavanaugh. the division in washington has been on full display after yesterday's almost nine hours of emotional and fiery testimony from judge kavanaugh and the woman accusing him of sexual assault, christine blasey ford. but senator jeff flake shocked the room and the nation when he joined his democratic colleagues by calling for an fbi investigation and a one-week delay of the vote on the full senate floor. the final vote needed to give brett kavanaugh a lifetime appointment on america's highest court. >> i think it would be proper to delay the floor vote for up to but not more than one week in order to let the fbi continue to do an investigation limited in time and scope to the current allegation that is are there. >> okay. then this happened which caused major confusion. >> because of the two-hour rule we're adjourned. >> what? >> the two-hour rule. >> no vote? >> when did we come in? did we come in at noon? yeah, we did

hill was attacked and disrespected by the men of the senate judiciary committee. yet, here we are 27 years later and senate republican leadership has made clear that they will do everything they can to ramp judge kavanaugh's nomination through. they have come up with a process that is even worse, even more disrespectful and disheartening to survivors than the one we saw in 1991. in 1991 the fbi investigated allegations of sexual assault against mr. thomas. the hearings stretched on for multiple days and some corroborating witnesses were allowed to testify. in 2018 republican leadership has indicated that none of those things will be allowed to happen, none of them. they have simply scheduled a check the box hearing, rejecting calls to ask the fbi to reopen its background investigation, refusing to allow other witnesses or evidence to be heard and limiting the questioning from senators. lawyers for dr. ford announced they have submitted sworn affidavits to the senate judiciary commit from four individuals whom she shared these allegations with, well before presiden

it's simply senator flake working with all of us to say for the good of the senate and the good of the court, the american people deserve to have the facts followed up on. i appreciate his willingness to do that. that's what this is about. if senator mcconnell wants to go forward in light of that and we still have several senators haven't said how they are voting, i think this is very important what happened right now. it's one senator who is standing up. >> senator cornyn. >> i want to express my appreciation for senator flake in allowing this process to move forward. there's some difference of opinion of what the fbi investigation will consist of. i respect the fact that not only senator flake advocated to give dr. ford a chance to appear in front of committee, which was the right thing to do but also that he's allowed this process to move forward subject to further discussions about what the fbi may or may not be able to come up with. he maintains his right to cast his vote yay or nay as he sees fit. i appreciate his support for a full and fair hearing for dr. ford and judge kavanau

two of the senators leading the senate judiciary committee, and who in other contexts have for the violence against women act, you can't have it both ways. you cannot be a champion of violence against women and ending these issues and vilify dr. ford in the way that you have. [applause] lisalyn: i want to share with folks as well that one of the organizations i work on behalf of will be leading a march in support of getting the violence act on september 29 in washington. there will be events in new york on the 30th of september and there are cards to give you more information about that on the table. thanks so much. eleanor: other questions? >> at the risk of carrying this a little too far. i just want to say, because i had spoken with a number of folks on the hill yesterday, there is a fear that this congress wants to end the federal government's support of the violence against women act. i think we are at another crisis we will have to deal with. eleanor: does anybody want to speak to that? there is another question over here. >> i was curious if there was any other person who can request

i think that's the democrats in the senate. >> in the senate i have been working to reform what isn't an -- is an antiquated policy, and i am the one that forced the ethicsommittee to release the information about these settlements that have been paid. >> doesn't this prove that you are making a basic qualification decision when it comes to supreme court nominees? >> i'm glad to talk aut justice gorsuch. here's what i do when a supreme court nominee is out there. i read everything t thaty've written. law review articles, judicial opinions. i have them come to my office. i look them in the eye and ask them about the questions that i have.il i wait uhe hearing is over in the judiciary committee and then based on all of that, i make a decision. i have appointed judges to the virgia supreme court. i have tried cases in all courts, including the supreme cour v i take thiy seriously. with justice gorsuch i was extremely concerned when i read opinions of his. that he had habit of going out of his way to be an activist judge on one particular topic. women's freedom to make your own health car

gop holding the senate. he did not have any doubt at all that his party was can a halt the senate and said they are guaranteed to pick up at least one seat in north dakota, and perhaps two if missouri hangs on. do another state florida, there are six or seven media markets in the state of florida. google i think the money aspect is part of why they might feel really confident about the senate two, they know how much money they have to pump in the races themselves. they know how much money gov. rick scott has to pump into these races himself. democrats, as he said have cracked the code with online , small dollar donations. that will not help as much in dignity markets like we see in florida. jonathan martin: i think the cany that steven's group bring is critical because as you put it out, a lot of these democratic incumbents do have a financial advantage head-to-head over their republican challengers. but that is all being did when he have -- that is obviated when you have groups like this coming against the

to the senate. jonathan: it seems the house is in jeopardy of flipping. is that fair to say? steven: i would not write it off. i think we continue to see each week the scenario changes somewhat. we are competitive, but it is an uphill climb. jonathan: how does that shape what you do and your interaction with party strategists and donors, does the senate at some point become if not the only game in town, the biggest game in town? steven: it has not gotten there yet. it is important to protect the house, even if you think you would lose, because it easier to defend, and a 10-c deficit is easier to make up than a 40-c deficit. if in fact it starts looking more of a difficult proposition, people will be concerned about making sure we had the senate. alexi: the president is talking about her red wave, what do you think about that? is he talking about the house, the senate, and you anticipate a red wave? steven: i am not sure what he means by that. i don't think there is much evidence of a red wave in ter

you heard the senator request not just in light of the letter that senator dianne feinstein has made public about alleged sexual abuse when judge kavanaugh was in high school, but beyond that, democrats say a vote should not take place here when is a vote supposed to take place? kate: one quick note, senator feinstein did not make the letter public, but the allegations are public. the vote is scheduled to go forward on thursday, october 20. senator grassley has made no signs that he plans to delay. as the allegations came out this morning, his office sent out a letter that 65 woman from judge kavanaugh who knew him in high school, who spoke toward his character. they have accused senator feinstein as using a delay tactic. it remains to be seen what it looks like a plan to push forward with the vote. 20ta: so thursday, september is the vote. when would the full senate take it up? kate: i do not know if that has been decided yet. i am not sure. greta: senator mcconnell has said, though, he would like it to happen soon. kate: right. greta: the other topic for senator patrick leahy was o

. >> the halls of the senate offices were filled with protesters today. and i want to get kristine's reaction to this, too. but i can tell you from my experience working in those offices senators are very much afraid on those kinds of days. and they're trying to duck those protesters and they're just hoping it all goes away. and this looks like a pretty spontaneous wave of protests that have taken over those buildings. >> and lawrence, it's not going to stop. the fact they're basically going after a survivor coming forward and she's asking to basically bring in her story and they're trying to block her by bringing in a female buffer is not going to help their case. and the republicans just can't help themselves. if you recall when justice sotomayor was before them and saying she seemed too tough and too bold for them, you can only imagine they're trying to save themselves when it comes to actually cross examining dr. ford. and the wave of activism is not going to let go. if you can recall this is all stemming from the election of the president himself. ri

before that he said he did not want to talk to the senate. apparently the senate is fine with that. we have not yet heard back from the senate judiciary committee tonight. nbc news has not independently reported out this story. we do not know any more about these allegations besides what mr. avenatti has said publicly. i think we have him here to talk publicly. joining us now, i think, i hope, yes, mr. michael avenatti. thank you for your time tonight. >> good to see you, rachel. >> you said on line that you were representing a woman with credible information regarding judge kavanaugh and mark judge. what is the nature of the information that she has about judge kavanaugh and his high school classmate? >> well, rachel, i'm representing one client who i can describe as a witness and victim as well as additional corroborating witnesses to what she is going to allege publicly within the next 48 hours as it relates to her particular allegations. we're not going to provide additional information beyond that which is contained within the e-mails that i exchanged with the senate judiciary

starting in the house with a trial on the senate. in all 13 federal judges have been impeached in u.s. history and eight have been removed. michael, great to have you with us tonight after a very news worthy day. >> right, and a long week. and you're absolutely right, joy. samuel chase really did have a killer wig. >> his wig game was really strong. sometimes we do forget that clause in the constitution that gives the congress the power to impeachment the president also extends to federal officers. and so are we looking at a situation, a sort of samuel chase moment, if a new senate, a new house if democrats were to take over, could decide based on what we've heard from brett kavanaugh that perhaps he could be at least whether he could keep his supreme court job. >> samuel chase, there were eight counts, and the senate cleared him but the result of that was to say for all of the next two centuries he was had the only justice ever impeached that justices of the supreme court can't be partisan, but even more to the point, they have to b

just like senator warner in the senate would we did the background in 2005. were there challenges, yes? days challenges, yes. we will pull together to do novel strategies around housing. while there will be competition for talent and everybody knows it, there will also be a magnet for talent. for talented individuals. talented institutions and talented companies. so i hope that virginia is the winner of this competition and we can figure out the problem, if we work together. >> that is all he has to offer. nothing. absolutely nothing. as the board of supervisors, i worked with the rest of my board. you know how you deal with economic growth? you give businesses and residents adequate infrastructure for roads and schools. we streamlined regulations on our businesses. the board cut in half the time it takes to open a business in my community. $1 billion worth of new roads is what i have been able to do. and we kept taxes lower today than they were when adjusted for inflation 12 years ago. that is what made prince william county number one in job growth, number

under the previous order, the senate stands in recess until senate stands in recess until >> the senate taking a break so senators could attend the wiki party meetings. the senate reconvened at 2:15 p.m. eastern when a confirmation vote is scheduled for peter feldman who was nominated to serve on the consumer product safety commission. when the senate gavels back in at 2:15 p.m. easrn

unfortunately the tone is set at the top by senator grassley and by senator mcconnell. and so, you know, we have certainly had good relationships on a professional level with staff on the other side because we are there, when i was there all the time trying to get our jobs done. but in this case you have people who are exceedingly partisan. you had the chief counsel for senator grassley conduct his own solo interview of the nominee and then pronounce him cleared basically. and so i think all processes are broken down. they're not following the rules, they don't care about the rules and they're doing so in order to install someone on the court with the job of following the rules, someone who actually, i think, has not been honest about the facts or the law in brett kavanagh. so it's all coming together in one pattern. >> and chuck grassley in breaking news item has just officially taken rachel mitchell out of the shadows and admitted that chuck grassley and the united states senate have hired rachel mitchell -- they are putting her on the senate payroll for what might on

they give this to the senators and it is the senate's decision what to do with the raw information. what brought information are you possibly going to gather here. she doesn't remember where or when. me start by saying that i think he will be confirmed but i don't think you should be. i have a couple questions for you. you talk about this in a court. but the senate floor is not a court. it is a legislative ranch. of government. let's get the facts straight. in a courtroom, as you were talking about, these kinds of things come up and sway a jury. it is simply a matter of public opinion. to say someone who was 17 years old doesn't have a right in this country to make a mistake -- and we are talking about two people who made a mistake -- your disparagement of this woman is disgusting. i get due process. but this is discussing. i have three questions for you. where in the world did you read your constitution and what the branches do? i get that there is due process but you are standing on nationwide tv telling people basically that the senate is a courtroom and it's not. duty and a proc

the senate is likely going republican, even if senate -- democrats are one -- win back the senate it will be by the narrowest majority. the most extreme of potential crimes could be alleged there and it would be difficult to imagine, and maybe even democrats who do think in the house the president should be impeached depending upon is conclusions might see it as not resulting in his removal anyway. host: sean, in maryland. an independent. good morning. caller: i disagree with you when you say the republicans will likely take the senate. if you look at nevada, dean is arizona,is is up in joe manchin is up in west virginia, the tennessee race is pretty much tied. with thes tied governor down there. i think the democrats could possibly pull it off, and i think a lot of people are sleeping on the democrats when it comes to the senate. i think the senate will go democrat and also people like joe manchin are playing it smart. they don't want obama coming to the state which is a good move, and on top of that, with the kavanaugh vote about to come up. they might vote for him and that could p