FBI defends Kavanaugh probe
WASHINGTON — FBI Director Christopher Wray defended his agents’ handling of a background investigation into thenSupreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, saying that it was “limited in scope” and followed standard procedures.
Mr. Wray was pressed at a Senate hearing by Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., about how much direction FBI agents received from the White House when they conducted a supplemental background investigation into claims by a California professor that Mr. Kavanaugh attempted to sexually assault her when the two were teenagers.
Ms. Harris pressed the director to explain why FBI agents never interviewed the woman, Christine Blasey Ford, or Mr. Kavanaugh, about her accusations.
Mr. Wray replied: “As is standard, the investigation was very specific in scope, limited in scope, and that is the usual process and that my folks have assured me that the usual process was followed,” Mr. Wray said.
Immigrants’ rights
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court wrestled with a case about the government’s ability to detain certain immigrants after they’ve served sentences for committing crimes in the United States. Several justices expressed concerns with the government’s reading of immigration law.
Justice Stephen Breyer seemed perhaps the most sympathetic to the arguments of immigrants in the case. The immigrants, mostly green-card holders, say they should get hearings where they can argue for their release while deportation proceedings against them are ongoing. Justice Breyer noted that the United States “gives every triple ax murderer a bail hearing.”
While members of the court’s conservative majority seemed more inclined than its liberal members to back the government, both of President Donald Trump’s appointees asked questions that made it less clear how they might ultimately rule.
The issue in the case before the justices has to do with the detention of noncitizens who have committed a broad range of crimes that make them deportable. Immigration law tells the government to pick up those people when they are released from federal or state prisons and jails and then hold them without bond hearings while an immigration court decides whether they should be deported.
Health care vote
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats are trying to refocus voters on health care. They’ve now lost a vote on the issue but hope they’ve gained a message that will help them win Senate control in next month’s elections.
The Senate voted to reject a Democratic attempt to scuttle President Donald Trump’s push for shortterm health insurance plans, which are less expensive but provide skimpier coverage. It was a near party-line vote and came four days after the chamber’s war over confirming Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Democrats say the vote will help them in November because health care remains a top concern for voters.
Mr. Trump has made it easier for people to buy short-term plans. Republicans say the policies provide a low-cost option that many people want.