“Yesterday, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford bravely spoke her truth to the Senate and to the nation. Her accusations of sexual assault at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh were horrifying, matched only by the disregard GOP leaders have displayed toward her and all women.

“Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed that pushing through a nominee who will undermine the rights of women, immigrants, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color is more important than hearing survivors and investigating credible allegations.

“Thank you to Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who had the decency and respect to walk out of the proceedings in protest. We welcome the suggestion by Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) that an investigation in this matter is necessary and warranted, but whether that investigation will happen before the vote goes to the floor—or at all— is unclear. And the fact remains that the investigation should have happened before this vote ever got to committee.

“Next week the Jewish community celebrates Simchat Torah, a holiday that commemorates the closing of the readings in the Old Testament and reopens the Book to start anew. We should all start anew with strength and courage and the fortitude to speak our convictions. The Senate should do no less.”