Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) granted a Saturday extension for attorneys of the woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of attempted sexual assault to settle on the terms of her tetimony.
In a series of late Friday night tweets, Grassley said that Christine Blasey Ford “shld decide so we can move on.”
Judge Kavanaugh I just granted another extension to Dr Ford to decide if she wants to proceed w the statement she made last week to testify to the senate She shld decide so we can move on I want to hear her. I hope u understand. It’s not my normal approach to b indecisive
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 22, 2018
With all the extensions we give Dr Ford to decide if she still wants to testify to the Senate I feel like I’m playing 2nd trombone in the judiciary orchestra and Schumer is the conductor
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) September 22, 2018
The Republican leader appeared irritated by the delays, saying he feels like he’s “playing 2nd trombone in the judiciary orchestra and [Democratic Sen. Chuck] Schumer is the conductor.”
According to the New York Times, Grassley’s office told Ford’s lawyers they “absolutely must hear by 2:30 p.m.” that Ford will comply with their terms for testifying.
Ford’s attorneys have accused Senate Republicans including Grassley of pressuring their client and setting artificially tight deadlines.
Ford has alleged that Kavanaugh held her down and tried to forcibly remove her clothing while intoxicated at a high school party. Kavanaugh has categorically denied doing so.
