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Standoff over Kavanaugh hearing

A Senate hearing scheduled for Monday to review allegations of sexual assault by the Supreme Court nominee is now in doubt.

Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Judge Brett Kavanaugh of assaulting her at a high school party more than 30 years ago, said on Tuesday that she wanted the F.B.I. to investigate before she testifies. He has categorically denied her accusation.

Republicans signaled that they would not postpone the hearing, and would either hold it without Dr. Blasey or declare it unnecessary if she refuses to appear.

In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Dr. Blasey’s lawyers said she had been the target of “vicious harassment and even death threats” since her identity had been made public.