Trump 'very proud' after Senate sets vote on Kavanaugh nomination

WASHINGTON, DC:
President Donald Trump said Friday he is "very proud" that the Senate has cleared the way to hold a vote on Brett Kavanaugh, his controversial nominee to the Supreme Court.

"Very proud of the US Senate for voting 'YES' to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!" Trump said in a tweet.

Very proud of the U.S. Senate for voting “YES” to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!

Kavanaugh's once near-certain confirmation to the lifelong appointment on the constitutional court is on a knife-edge after bitter debate over sexual assault allegations dating to his school and university days. On Friday the Senate voted along party lines to remove the last obstacle to holding a decisive vote this weekend.

Amid Kavanaugh fight, Trump says it is a 'scary time' for young men

The fight over Kavanaugh’s nomination to a lifetime job on the top US court comes against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement fighting sexual harassment and assault that has toppled a succession of powerful men.

Under pressure from Democrats and some moderate fellow Republicans, Trump on Friday ordered an FBI investigation lasting up to a week into the allegations against his nominee. He told reporters on Tuesday he thought Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation once the FBI finishes its investigation.

Kavanaugh’s confirmation would consolidate conservative control of the Supreme Court, with disputes involving abortion rights, immigration, gay rights, voting rights and transgender troops possibly heading to the court soon. The fight over Kavanaugh’s nomination has been unusually emotional and has unfolded just weeks ahead of Nov. 6 elections in which Democrats are trying to seize control of Congress from Republicans.