Today on the Hill: Senate Resumes Consideration of Kavanaugh Nomination

Following passage of both the opioids bill and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization, the Senate will now turn its attention to the FBI’s report regarding allegations of misconduct against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Senators will have all of today to review the report before holding a procedural vote to end debate on the nomination tomorrow. Should lawmakers vote to end debate, a final up-or-down vote on the nomination would likely come Saturday.

The White House has stated that the report offers no support for the claims against Kavanaugh, expressing confidence that the upper chamber will clear the nomination. However, three uncommitted Republicans — including Sens. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) — have said the findings would factor significantly into their decision. If all Senate Democrats vote against the nomination, GOP leadership can only afford one defection due to their narrow 51-49 majority.

With respect to the lower chamber, House members have left Washington to hit the campaign trail and are not scheduled to be in session until after the November midterm elections.