Senators debate and discuss Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh
2,504 views · Published 5 October 2018 · 2:33:30 · Indexed 23 September 2026
Channel: USA TODAY · 2018 · News & Politics
The vote to confirm him is currently set for 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday. Republicans appeared to have enough votes to narrowly confirm Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh after Sen. Susan Collins said Friday the nominee deserves a presumption of innocence against sexual allegation charges. “It is when passions are most inflamed that fairness is most in jeopardy," Collins said on the Senate floor in announcing she will back the nomination, after voting to end debate. “I do not believe that these charges can fairly prevent Judge Kavanaugh from serving on the court.” After speaking for more than 40 minutes, she concluded: "I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh." Collins was among a handful of publicly undecided senators in the spotlight Friday as the White House and Republican leaders tried to round up enough votes to confirm Kavanaugh after a rocky few weeks of explosive allegations, dramatic hearings, public protests and impassioned defenses. As Collins rose to speak, backed by two Republican women sitting behind her, protesters started chanting. “Vote No! Show up for Maine women!” they shouted before being escorted out. Arizona Republican Jeff Flake, the other senator who had been wavering this week, said Friday he will vote to confirm Kavanaugh unless something significant changes before Saturday's expected final vote. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, the only Democrat to vote with Republicans to end debate, announced after Collins' speech that he will also vote for confirmation. Read Manchin's reason why here: http://bit.ly/2PeRuM4 **************** Humankind: Amazing moments that give us hope ➤ http://bit.ly/2MrPxvd Humankind: Stories worth sharing ➤ http://bit.ly/2FWYXNP Animalkind: Cute, cuddly & curious animals ➤ http://bit.ly/2GdNf2j Just the FAQs: When news breaks, we break it down for you ➤ http://bit.ly/2Dw3Wnh The Wall: An in-depth examination of Donald Trump’s border wall ➤ http://bit.ly/2sksl8F
