During Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Sen. Kamala Harris of California asked questions about Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation that seemed to have taken the judge by surprise, according to BuzzFeed News.
“Have you ever discussed Special Counsel Mueller or his investigation with anyone?” asked Harris.
Kavanaugh said that the investigation was “in the news every day, but that he had talked about it “with other judges.”
“Have you discussed Mueller or his investigation with anyone at Kasowitz Benson and Torres, the law firm found by Marc Kasowitz, President Trump’s personal lawyer?” she asked.
Kavanaugh seemed taken aback by Harris’s question and asked the senator if she was referring to a particular person.
“I’m asking you a very direct question: Yes or no?” Harris asked.
“I don’t think–I’m not remembering, but I’m happy to be refreshed, or if you want to tell me who you’re thinking about,” said Kavanaugh.
Complete exchange between @senkamalaharris and Judge Kavanaugh on Mueller Investigation. pic.twitter.com/FXhW3XmV19
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 6, 2018
“You have an impeccable memory. … How can you not remember whether or not you had a conversation about Robert Mueller or his investigation with anyone at that law firm? His investigation has only been going on for so long.”
Before Harris could continue, Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican representing Utah, seemingly jumped to Kavanaugh’s defense saying that he couldn’t possibly know everyone working at a particular law firm.
“There are a lot of people who work at a law office,” he said.
A pair of protesters were removed from the room and arrested by U.S. Capitol Police after they interrupted the proceedings saying that the Senate should reject Kavanaugh’s nomination to the highest court in the country.
Harris also questioned Kavanaugh on Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case that legalized abortion. Kavanaugh, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, has said that the ruling is “settled law,” but advocates have raised concerns that the landmark decision would be overturned if Kavanaugh is confirmed and takes the bench.
“Any laws that give government the power to make decisions about the male body?” Harris asked. “I’m not thinking of any right now, Senator,” he responded.
