There was high drama on Capitol Hill Friday as Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation process hit an unexpected roadblock.
Judge Kavanaugh had cleared a key hurdle after being approved Friday by the Senate Judiciary Committee, when in a surprising development, Republicans began calling for an FBI investigation into the nominee.
It came on the heels of the heavily-watched testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Kavanaugh, in which he denied allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from Ford and several other women.
Kavanaugh said he will cooperate with the investigation, which follows a chaotic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Friday that included Democrats walking out.
During the same hearing some time later, Republican Senator Jeff Flake pushed for the one week delay.
Under the conditions, Senators have agreed that the Senate will not vote on Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court until that investigation is over.
“This country is being ripped apart here and we have got to make sure we do due diligence,” said Senator Flake (R-Arizona)
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Several other swing Republicans quickly joined Senator Flake.
Senator Flake’s about face comes after he was confronted on the elevator at the U.S. Capitol by two visibly angry women who claim they are sexual assault survivors.
“You're telling me my assault doesn't matter,” said Maria Gallagher, who is a recent college graduate. “That what happened to me doesn't matter. You're going to let people who do these things into power. That's what you're telling me when you vote for him."
President Trump has bowed to pressure by agreeing to Flake’s request to delay the vote, which has put Kavanaugh's confirmation in jeopardy.
The move is a win for Democrats who’ve been pushing for an investigation.
"The FBI investigation must be penetrating and impartial, and objective," said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D- CT).
Despite the recent hurdles, Senate Leader Mitch McConnell is vowing to push forward with Kavanaugh’s nomination.
"We will keep the process moving, the full Senate will begin considering Judge Kavanaugh's nomination today,” said Senator McConnell (R-KY).
Once the FBI submits their findings to Congress, 100 senators will have access to read them.
In a statement, Kavanaugh said, "I’ve done everything they have requested and will continue to cooperate."
