FBI could finish Brett Kavanaugh investigation Wednesday; Two accusers not interviewed
The FBI’s supplemental background check into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh could wrap up as early as Wednesday, even though two of the women who made sexual assault allegations against him haven’t been interviewed.Â
The Trump administration expects an FBI report soon, perhaps as soon as Wednesday, one official told USA TODAY. After the report is complete, it will be given to the White House then sent off to Capitol Hill.
Much of Wednesday was a waiting game as senators prepared for the report and for its aftermath. The report is expected to center around accusations of sexual misconduct by Kavanaugh when he was young.Â
But attorneys for the woman who made those allegations, Christine Blasey Ford, said she had not yet been contacted by the FBI as of Wednesday afternoon. Nor has another woman, Julie Swetnick, who was the third to accuse Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct.Â
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President Donald Trump says he wants to “see what happens” with the FBI investigation into his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Trump also said it was “a scary time for young men” who could become subject of false accusations. (Oct. 2)
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The FBI had contacted a handful of key witnesses in its investigation as of Wednesday afternoon.Â
The report is expected to center on allegations posed by Ford. She testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while they were in high school. Kavanaugh vehemently denied the allegations.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that the report would be finished quickly enough to allow a Senate vote this week.
“We’ll have an FBI report this week, and we’ll have a vote this week,” McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters.
 McConnell noted that only senators would be able to see the report. He did not say how long he’d wait to schedule a vote after the report was released, but a full vote on Kavanaugh could happen as early as Saturday afternoon if the Senate is ordered to work over the weekend.
President Donald Trump said he expects there to be a vote by week’s end.
“And I think the process – I must say, I think – hopefully, as Mitch said, they’ll have a vote by the end of the week, and it will be a positive vote. But it will be dependent on what comes back from the FBI,” Trump said Tuesday. “The FBI – the FBI is working. They’re working very hard. And let’s see what happens.”
The Justice Department referred questions about the probe back to the White House.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Democratic leader on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the FBI’s investigation wouldn’t be deemed credible without testimony from both Ford and Kavanaugh amid reports they might not be interviewed.Â
“Last week’s hearing is no substitute for FBI interviews, especially when you consider the tenor of Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony,” Feinstein said in a statement. “We have asked repeatedly for the White House to provide us with the scope of the investigation and what restrictions they placed on the FBI. The White House continues to refuse to answer. It’s completely unacceptable to hide this information from the Senate and the public.”
Early Wednesday, she and other Democrats didn’t seem to have much information about the FBI report and how it would be rolled out.
Feinstein said she expected to see the report on Thursday but “that’s just my estimation. I don’t know.â€
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called for a slowdown in the process, suggesting senators should have a day to study the FBI report before deciding Kavanaugh’s fate.
“A Supreme Court nominee must, whatever their politics, be a shining example of someone who tells the truth,” Schumer tweeted. “Every Senator now must assess these serious allegations, and consider whether Judge Kavanaugh has the temperament, independence, and credibility to serve.”
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, whose votes are considered key to the nomination, both said they were satisfied with the pace of the process.
More: Who has FBI contacted in its investigation of Brett Kavanaugh?
More: ‘It’s a damn sad situation’: Trump mocks Kavanaugh accuser
More: Sens. Jeff Flake, Chris Coons channel mentors, John McCain, Joe Biden
The FBI was given a week to conduct its probe. As of Tuesday, the bureau has interviewed at least five key witnesses.
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Contributing: Bart Jansen, Erin Kelly, Nicole Gaudiano
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