GOP Sen. Susan Collins Implores Kavanaugh Accuser Christine Ford to Testify on Monday

Key Republican Senator Susan Collins said Wednesday that she hoped Christine Blasey Ford, the woman who has leveled sexual assault accusations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, would “reconsider and testify” in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

I hope that Dr. Ford will reconsider and testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. It is my understanding that the Committee has offered to hold either a public or a private session, whichever would make her more comfortable.

— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) September 19, 2018

Ford has come under immense pressure to appear on Monday after her attorneys requested the FBI investigate the matter before she would testify before lawmakers.

“She will talk with the committee. She is not prepared to talk with them at a hearing on Monday,” attorney Lisa Banks said on CNN Tuesday evening. “No… legitimate investigation is going to happen between now and Monday. This is going to take some time. There shouldn’t be a rush to a hearing here.”

While Republicans on the Judiciary Committee have shown restraint and patience regarding Ford’s accusations, they remain adamant the FBI should not be investigating the matter and are continuing their push for a committee vote next week with a full Senate vote expected shortly thereafter.

Chairman Chuck Grassley explained in a letter sent Wednesday to Ford’s lawyers why the FBI would not investigate the allegations, and said the committee is still interested in hearing from Ford on Monday.

Letter sent by @senjudiciary chairman to lawyers of #SCOTUS nominee accuser. pic.twitter.com/9T45aGdSYo

— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) September 19, 2018