![\"Christine](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/624\/cpsprodpb\/13373\/production\/_103470787_hi049360823-1.jpg\")
<\/span><\/figure>\nHe denies he was even at the 1982 high school party in question where his accuser, now a California psychology professor, says he tried to rape her as his friend watched.<\/p>\n
The claim has jeopardised Mr Kavanaugh’s formerly all-but certain-nomination for a lifetime job on the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley confirmed next Monday’s hearing in a statement.<\/p>\n
“As I said earlier, anyone who comes forward as Dr Ford has done deserves to be heard,” said the Iowa Republican.<\/p>\n
Mr Grassley had earlier stopped short of calling for a public hearing, or for delaying the committee’s vote on Mr Kavanaugh which was originally planned for Thursday of this week.<\/p>\n
Democrats had demanded a delay in the committee’s vote in order to let the FBI investigate.<\/p>\n
Moderate senators from both parties had argued that Judge Kavanaugh and Prof Ford should be given the chance to testify before the panel.<\/p>\n
Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, told reporters she would like the chance to observe Dr Ford to decide the credibility of her account.<\/p>\n
“Obviously, if Judge Kavanaugh has lied about what happened, that would be disqualifying,” she said.<\/p>\n
Source: bbc.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"