Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley referred Julie Swetnick, a woman who made misconduct allegations against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and her attorney Michael Avenatti to the Department of Justice for possible criminal investigation.
"I am writing to refer Mr. Michael Avenatti and Ms. Julie Swetnick for investigation” for possible "materially false statements they made to the Committee during the course of the Committee's investigation," the Iowa Republican wrote in a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
"When a well-meaning citizen comes forward with information relevant to the committee's work, I take it seriously. It takes courage to come forward, especially with allegations of sexual misconduct or personal trauma. I'm grateful for those who find that courage,” Grassley added in a statement. "But in the heat of partisan moments, some do try to knowingly mislead the committee. That's unfair to my colleagues, the nominees and others providing information who are seeking the truth," he added.
Swetnick alleged that Kavanaugh and his friend Mike Judge were present at a party where she was drugged and “gang raped.”
Avenatti turns the tables: Avenatti, a potential 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, called Grassley's referral "completely baseless and political."
"I look forward to a thorough investigation into Judge Kavanaugh," he told CNN. "We have all waited long enough."
"It is ironic that Senator Grassley now is interested in investigations," he added on Twitter. "He didn't care when it came to putting a man on the SCOTUS for life. We welcome the investigation as now we can finally get to the bottom of Judge Kavanaugh's lies and conduct. Let the truth be known."
Republicans take victory lap: “Good news for rule of law!” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton tweeted in response to the news.
Newsmax host John Cardillo listed through some of the bad news Avenatti has received this week, including a $4.85 million judgment against him.
