LANSING — Last week, the U.S. Senate heard from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a professor who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were both in high school. Today, state Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Resolution 412 urging the U.S. Senate to develop fair, deliberative and neutral protocols to address and investigate sexual assault claims related to presidential nominations, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. In addition, Rep. Brinks issued the following statement:
“People across our nation are engaging in a public dialogue about sexual assault and harassment. For too long, society has dismissed or disbelieved the pain and trauma of survivors and perpetuated a cycle of silencing their voices to the benefit of abusers. The United States Senate has an opportunity through the advice and consent process to shape the way our society responds to sexual assault survivors and how we understand what is acceptable behavior. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed in recent weeks has been shameful accusations of partisanship, sensational hearings and rushed investigations. In order to preserve the integrity of our federal institutions, it is vital the U.S. Senate critically examine the fitness of each and every presidential nominee called to serve the United States in one of our nation’s most distinguished offices.”
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