WASHINGTON, DC – After thoroughly reviewing Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s record, including the FBI’s supplemental investigation into sexual assault allegations against Judge Kavanaugh, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) discussed his decision to vote “no” on the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh for the United States Supreme Court.

The U.S. Senate voted 51-49 today on a key procedural motion on the nomination, setting up a final confirmation vote later this weekend.

After the vote, Senator Reed issued the following statement:

“I opposed Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to his current seat on the D.C. Circuit because I had serious concerns about his partisan history, expansive view of presidential power, and lack of candor about his work in the Bush White House.

“Unfortunately, my concerns about Mr. Kavanaugh were well-founded. 

“I strongly oppose his nomination to the Supreme Court for those reasons and more.

“I found Dr. Ford to be truthful and credible, which is more than I can say for Judge Kavanaugh.

“Judge Kavanaugh’s hearing didn’t prove he was guilty of criminal conduct, nor did it exonerate him.  It did prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he does not have the temperament to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court.

“His unhinged, hyper-partisan performance as a 53 year old federal judge under oath was not in keeping with the standards of a Supreme Court justice.  

“Americans deserve to have highly-qualified, fair, and impartial jurists serving on the Supreme Court. 

“Elevating Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court now would send the wrong signal to victims of sexual abuse, and could erode confidence in our justice system.”