WASHINGTON, DC – Today, leadership of the Democratic Women’s Working Group (DWWG), Reps. Lois Frankel (FL-21), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Jackie Speier (CA-14), along with 113 additional Members of Congress, sent a letter to all U.S. Senators outlining concerns with the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Given the credible and disturbing allegations of sexual assault by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, the Members are urging the Senate delays any vote until a thorough investigation of the allegations has taken place. 

In part, the letter reads, “To hold a vote now would be an insult to women and girls, sending a powerful message that they don’t matter and will not be believed. Let’s instead set an example for our children that sexual violence should be taken seriously and emphatically denounced […] We urge the Senate to rise to the occasion, take these allegations with the seriousness and careful consideration they deserve, and allow a thorough investigation.” 

Full text of the letter below and here.

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Dear Senators, 

We urge you to delay Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court until a thorough investigation of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations has taken place. 

To hold a vote now would be an insult to women and girls, sending a powerful message that they don’t matter and will not be believed. Let’s instead set an example for our children that sexual violence should be taken seriously and emphatically denounced.  

If the allegations of sexual assault are true, they speak to Brett Kavanaugh’s character and ability to determine right from wrong. Before giving Kavanaugh power to make decisions about women’s lives, their protection under our laws prohibiting sexual violence, and their physical autonomy, Congress has a responsibility to allow the American people to learn the truth. 

In the age of #MeToo, the vitriol that Anita Hill endured cannot happen again, both in our national discourse and throughout any testimony that Dr. Ford chooses to provide. Over this past year, survivors across the country have come forward with harrowing stories of sexual assault and harassment. Their bravery and experiences cannot be in vain.

Dr. Ford did not want to go public with her story, knowing the hostility, retaliation, and disbelief she would face. We applaud her courage for risking it all.  Now that Dr. Ford has taken the brave step to come forward, we must do all we can to treat her with decency and respect. 

We urge the Senate to rise to the occasion, take these allegations with the seriousness and careful consideration they deserve, and allow a thorough investigation. 

Sincerely,