A

KATZ, MARSHALL

&

BANKS,

By Electronic Mail
September 18, 2018

The Honorable Charles E. Grassley
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Grassley:
Thank you for reaching out yesterday afternoon. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford looks forward
to working with you and the Committee.
As you know, earlier this summer, Dr. Ford sought to tell her story, in confidence, so that
lawmakers would have a fuller understanding of Brett Kavanaugh’s character and history. Only
after the details of her experience were leaked did Dr. Ford make the reluctant decision to come
forward publicly.
In the 36 hours since her name became public, Dr. Ford has received a stunning amount of
support from her community and from fellow citizens across our country. At the same time,
however, her worst fears have materialized. She has been the target of vicious harassment and
even death threats. As a result of these kind of threats, her family was forced to relocate out of
their home. Her email has been hacked, and she has been impersonated online.
While Dr. Ford’s life was being turned upside down, you and your staff scheduled a public
hearing for her to testify at the same table as Judge Kavanaugh in front of two dozen U.S. Senators
on national television to relive this traumatic and harrowing incident. The hearing was scheduled
for six short days from today and would include interrogation by Senators who appear to have
made up their minds that she is “mistaken” and “mixed up.” While no sexual assault survivor
should be subjected to such an ordeal, Dr. Ford wants to cooperate with the Committee and with
law enforcement officials.
As the Judiciary Committee has recognized and done before, an FBI investigation of the
incident should be the first step in addressing her allegations. A full investigation by law
enforcement officials will ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this matter are assessed in
a non-partisan manner, and that the Committee is fully informed before conducting any hearing or
making any decisions.

1718 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW

SIXTH FLOOR

WASHINGTON, DC 20009

WW~V.KMBLEGAL.COM

T 202.299.1140

F 202.299.1148

 A

KATZ, MARSHALL

& BANKS,

The Honorable Charles E. Grassley
Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary
September 18, 2018
Page 2
We would welcome the opportunity to talk with you and Ranking Member Feinstein to
discuss reasonable steps as to how Dr. Ford can cooperate while also taking care of her own health
and security.
Sincerely,

Debra S. Katz

Lisa J. Banks
Attorneys for Dr. Christine Blasey Ford

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary