McConnell Slams Feinstein’s ‘Eleventh Hour’ Unveiling of Allegation

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell lambasted colleague Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.) on the Senate floor Monday for failing to disclose an allegation of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh until just days before his confirmation vote.

After detailing the 70-day confirmation-vetting process, McConnell argued that Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, was obligated to make fellow lawmakers aware of a letter she received from a constituent in July detailing the allegations against Kavanaugh.

“But now, now, at the eleventh hour, with committee votes on schedule, after Democrats have spent weeks and weeks searching for any possible reason that the nomination should be delayed, now, now they choose to reveal this allegation,” McConnell said. “Now, an accusation of 36-year-old misconduct, dating back to high school, has been brought forward at the last minute, in an irregular manner. It is an accusation which the ranking member of the committee of jurisdiction has known about for at least six weeks — known about for six weeks, yet chose to keep secret until the eleventh hour.”

Senior Republicans on the Judiciary Committee have called for Kavanaugh and his accuser, California psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford, to testify under oath before the panel, but none have yet suggested that his Thursday confirmation vote should be delayed. Kavanaugh and Ford have both said they would testify before the committee if called to do so.

President Trump similarly complained about the timing of Feinstein’s disclosure when asked about Kavanaugh’s confirmation Monday and indicated he would be willing to accept a slight delay.

“I wish the Democrats could have done this a lot sooner,” Trump told reporters of the allegations. “If it takes a little delay it’ll take a little delay. But with all of that being said, it will, I’m sure, work out very well. You’re talking about an individual who is as high a quality individual as you will ever see.”

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded forcefully on the senate floor following McConnell’s speech, accusing him of demonstrating “unmitigated gaul” for failing to delay the confirmation vote until a full FBI investigation could be conducted.

Kavanaugh is reportedly scheduled to have a private meeting with Judiciary Committee Republicans and staffers Monday afternoon. Schumer explained that no Democrats would participate in a “biased” Republican-led investigation.