Brett Kavanaugh vote - LIVE: Swing voters Susan Collins and Joe Manchin announce they will vote yes
Donald Trump tweeted he was 'very proud' of the Senate's roll call vote
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Your support makes all the difference.The US Senate is likely set to place Brett Kavanaugh's on the Supreme Court after swing vote Senators declare they will vote to confirm Donald Trump's second nominee to the highest court in the country.
Senators were provided up to 30 hours to debate ahead of a final vote on the embattled nominee, who has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by numerous women, primarily Christine Blasey Ford. However, Republican Senators Susan Collins and Jeff Flake as well Democratic Senator Joe Manchin have already said they support the nomination.
The final tally in Mr Kavanaugh’s procedural vote was 51-49, setting the stage for lawmakers to likely cast their final votes on the nominee over the weekend. Mr Trump celebrated the move, writing on Twitter, "Very proud of the US Senate for voting ‘YES’ to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!"
Protests still continue on Capitol Hill as women are openly weeping over the likelihood of Mr Kavanaugh's lifetime appointment.
Follow the latest news below:
Chuck Schumer has called on Republicans to vote no in an upcoming procedural vote on Brett Kavanaugh, saying, “Judge Kavanaugh presented to the Senate the bitterest partisan testimony I have every heard coming from a candidate seeking the Senate's approval."
Mitch McConnell has begun speaking on the House floor, urging lawmakers to vote for a “stunningly well qualified judge” in Brett Kavanaugh.
“I will announce my intentions on how to vote later today,” Susan Collins said after announcing she would vote “yes” on a procedural vote for Brett Kavanaugh.
The announcement arrived as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was speaking in support of the embattled Supreme Court nominee on the House floor ahead of the crucial vote.
Mitch McConnell’s Twitter handle has posted the following as the Senate majority leader continues to defend Brett Kavanaugh on the House floor.
“When we vote later this morning, we will not only be deciding whether to elevate a stunningly-qualified judge to our highest court. Not anymore. Not after all this. The United States Senate will also be making a statement. We will either state that facts and evidence can be brushed aside when politically inconvenient, and signal that media bullying and mob intimidation are valid tactics - or we will stand up and say that serious, thoughtful, fact-based deliberation must still define this body.”
Roll call on Brett Kavanaugh's procedural vote has begun, with numerous key lawmakers still undeclared in whether they will support the Supreme Court nomination.
If the procedural vote passes, lawmakers will debate over the weekend and the Senate will likely make its final confirmation vote by Saturday night.
Lisa Murkowski has voted “no” on a procedural vote for Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination.
Senator Joe Manchin has voted “yes” on a procedural vote for Brett Kavanaugh, leaving Lisa Murkowski as the sole “no” vote out of the four key lawmakers (Ms Murkowski, Mr Manchin, Susan Collins and Jeff Flake).
The vote now appears to be set in Mr Kavanaugh’s favour.
The final tally in Brett Kavanaugh’s procedural vote is 51-49. The Supreme Court nomination has now moved into the final phase, in which lawmakers will debate for up to 30 hours and likely cast their final confirmation votes by Saturday night.
Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski have begun speaking privately with each other after Ms Collins voted to advance Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination while Ms Murkowski opposed the nominee during today’s procedural vote.
It remains unclear how either Republican senator will vote in a final confirmation process expected tomorrow night.
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