Booker: Serious charges made against me by my colleague from Texas. If what he said was sincere, there are rules governing the behavior of senators. If he feels I have violated those rules, he can bring those charges by going through the Senate process against someone, you said, is unbecoming of the Senate.
Booker: This is not a violation of the Presidential Records Act and Senate rules.
Booker: I stand by public's right to have access to these documents.
Cornyn: Senate Rule 29.5 -- any senator who discloses confidential business of the Senate shall be liable to suffer expulsion from the body.
Multiple Democrats just said "bring it on."
Booker: Bring the charges.
Blumenthal: All of us are ready to face that rule on the bogus designation of committee confidential. A Senate rule cannot be misused. The threat raised by a colleague is unfortunate, a kind way to put it.
Blumenthal: This is a lifetime appointment. Let the American people appreciate it. We need the full truth, as the nominee is sworn to give it us.
Lee: The document you're talking about had already been made approved through the process. I will work with you to approve documents.
Lee: The documents from the Constitutional Convention were sealed for 30 years. At least two of those members were nominated to the Supreme Court. That did not override the notes from the convention.
Tillis, R-N.C.: I don't ever plan on running for president. I hope everyone will record transcript of what's going on right now. Let's talk about consequences of making this an untrusted body to receive documents.
Tillis: I suggest that all of us waive our rights to our own documents. I'm ready to sign up for that now.
Grassley: I'll start with my questioning.
Kennedy: Why are we having to truncate the hearing today?
Grassley: Rule to prevent committee from meeting when Senate is session may be waived.
Kennedy: Why is Mr. Schumer doing that? [Schumer is minority leader.]
Grassley now actually getting started with questions.
Grassley: Let me ask you about cases that show you will vindicate less fortunate in society. [Our second protester is being taken out.]
Kavanaugh now speaking about case in which he ruled for woman denied social security benefits.
More pro-abortion rights protesters are being removed.
A man just stood on a chair and began yelling, "Save democracy, save Roe"; he was immediately pulled from the chair onto the ground, and a whole bunch of chairs were pushed around as he was taken out.
Kavanaugh is going over the insurance rules in that case.
Insurance company case is an example of a pro-plaintiff ruling, says Kavanaugh.
After asked by Grassley, Kavanaugh starts talking about union case against Wal-Mart. We ruled for the union.
Grassley is explaining his view on allowing cameras in the courtroom.
Grassley has sponsored the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act. Would you keep an open mind on cameras in the courtroom?
Kavanaugh: I'll tell you what we've done on my court. On our court, we've gone from audio release some days argument to audio going out live with oral argument. The judges have become comfortable with this transparency.
Kavanaugh: On Supreme Court, best approach is to listen to views of people like yourself, Mr. Chairman. I know that past nominees have expressed support for cameras and then switched positions, so I would want to talk to the other justices.
Kavanaugh: There's also a distinction between coverage of oral argument and from opinion announcements. I will have an open mind.
Kavanaugh: I think observations of oral argument would increase confidence in the Supreme Court.
Feinstein, D-Calif., up and says she wants to go back to Roe.
Feinstein: We have an email previously marked confidential that is now public that shows you asked about making comments to an op-ed.
Feinstein: You said, the court can always overturn its precedent. Please tell us why you believe Roe is settled law and do you believe it is correctly settled?
Kavanaugh: In draft letter, referring to views of legal scholars. I'm always concerned with accuracy.
Kavanaugh: Roe v. Wade is an important precedent of the Supreme Court. It has been reaffirmed many times.
Kavanaugh makes an analogy to US v. Dickerson, in which the court specifically re-affirmed Miranda, despite the fact that Rehnquist had been a critic of Miranda. [Miranda is what started the "you have a right to remain silent" type explanations from police.]
Kavanaugh still unwilling to say whether Roe was correctly decided.
Kavanaugh: I have an obligation to preserve the independence of the judiciary.
Lee asks for the email at issue be made part of the record.
Feinstein: Bush White House took steps to limit women's right to reproductive health. During your service at the White House, did you work on any issues related to women's reproductive health or choice?
Kavanaugh: Bush's policy was pro-life, so those who worked for him had to assist him in those policies. Some of those things might have crossed my desk.
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