President Trump on Friday ordered the FBI to conduct a limited "supplemental" background investigation into the allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans are "moving" forward with plans to vote.
“I’ve ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh’s file," Trump said in a statement. "As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week.”
Trump's order came after several undecided senators whose votes are needed to confirm Kavanaugh called for a weeklong FBI probe before a floor vote.
The Senate had been expected to begin debate on Kavanaugh's nomination this weekend, but after Trump's order, McConnell adjourned the body until Monday. A potential confirmation vote may not come until late next week, next weekend or perhaps the week of Oct. 7.
"This is a nomination that deserves to move forward -- and that is precisely what is happening," McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor Friday.
Added McConnell, "Now we will keep the process moving."
Earlier Friday, under pressure from Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee asked for a FBI investigation “limited to current credible allegations against the nominee," saying it "must be completed no later than one week from today.”
Kavanaugh, who has denied all the allegations, said in a statement he will "cooperate."
“Throughout this process, I’ve been interviewed by the FBI, I’ve done a number of 'background' calls directly with the Senate, and yesterday, I answered questions under oath about every topic the senators and their counsel asked me,” Kavanaugh said in a statement. “I’ve done everything they have requested and will continue to cooperate.”
Later on Friday, Trump tweeted that “tonight” the “7th FBI investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh” had begun.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1045832351211835392
- realDonaldTrump
“He will someday be recognized as a truly great Justice of The United States Supreme Court!” Trump continued.
For days, Republicans have resisted calls from Democrats for the FBI to investigate the claims of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh dating back to high school and college, saying they were capable of investigating the allegations themselves.
Senate Judiciary Committee calls for week-long delay on Kavanaugh vote to allow for FBI investigation; former assistant FBI director Bill Gavin reacts on 'Your World.'Video
Can the FBI complete Kavanaugh investigation in one week?
But that changed Friday after Flake, who earlier in the day announced he would endorse Kavanaugh, called for a delay in a full floor vote to allow for an FBI inquiry “limited in time and scope.”
While backing Kavanaugh at the committee level, Flake said he'd only be comfortable moving ahead on the floor if the FBI investigates further.
Several other senators -- both Republican and Democrat -- on the fence joined Flake in supporting the move.
“I support this sensible agreement,” Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said.
“In order to fully and fairly complete our due diligence, allowing the FBI up to one week to supplement its background investigation is appropriate,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska.
“I support Sen. Flake’s call for a non-partisan FBI investigation into the allegations about Judge Kavanaugh – which I’ve been pressing for,” said Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.
"I applaud Senator Jeff Flake’s decision to rise above the partisan circus on display during this entire process,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.
Other notable politicians -- not serving in the Senate -- also reacted to the decision.
Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who is currently running as a Republican in Utah for the Senate, tweeted that he was in "support" of "the decision to re-open the FBI background investigation into the allegations made by Dr. Ford."