Republicans consider next steps in Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination
Four Republican senators have called for the Senate Judiciary Committee to delay a vote on Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him.
Christine Blasey Ford spoke out Sunday in a Washington Post article following a confidential letter from earlier this summer about the allegation, where she says Kavanaugh assaulted her at a party when they were both teenagers. Kavanaugh has denied the claims.
President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he would be open to a delay to “hear everybody out.” Both Ford and Kavanaugh have indicated that they’re open to testifying about the incident.
GOP Sens. Susan Collins, Jeff Flake, Bob Corker and Roy Blunt have come out in favor of the committee delaying its vote, which is also set for Thursday. Flake is a member of the Judiciary Committee.
Committee chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa released a statement that was noncommittal about a delay. He said he wanted to hear Ford’s claims, but he also said that the procedure was to continue discussions in follow-up calls as Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings in the committee have ended. (The Wall Street Journal)
Jefferson Health, Einstein Healthcare Network sign definitive merger agreement
Jefferson Health and Einstein Healthcare Network are moving forward with their merger and have signed a definitive agreement that will formally kick off the process.
Jefferson and Einstein signed a letter of intent to merge in March. With the definitive agreement in place, the deal will head on to needed regulatory approval steps.
The two providers have a longstanding working relationship. Should the merger be approved, it would unite two rehabilitation hospitals with national recognition and create the largest residency program in greater Philadelphia.
“Our joint planning in recent months has reinforced how much Jefferson and Einstein share the values dedicated to reimagining the future of health, education and discovery,” Stephen K. Klasko, M.D., CEO of Jefferson Health, said in the announcement. (Announcement)
NIAID, Children’s National to collaborate on infectious disease, allergy research
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease will join forces with Children’s National Health System to conduct clinical research into preventing and treating allergic, immunologic and infectious diseases in children.
Researchers from both institutions will collaborate to design and conduct the studies, which will cover a variety of pediatric conditions that impact the immune system. Children participating in the research will be able to see providers at either Children’s National or the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.
“This collaboration between an NIH institute and a specialized pediatric medical center ensures that the youngest research participants receive the gold standard of medical care,” said James K. Gilman, M.D., CEO of the NIH Clinical Center. (Announcement)