Flake says he’s ‘glad’ woman who confronted him during Kavanaugh hearing is at SOTU





Former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said Tuesday he’s glad the woman who confronted him in a Capitol elevator last year during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing is



“I’m glad she’s there,” he said on CBS News, where he’s a contributor. “You know, she had a real impact. I was very unsettled about where we were on the Kavanaugh nomination. I felt there was no reason why we couldn’t have an FBI investigation and that episode in the elevator helped me make up my mind to actually request and demand that investigation.”



Footage of Ana Maria Archila’s exchange with Flake went viral last September when she told the then-senator that he was sending a message that sexual assault survivors “don’t matter” by supporting Kavanaugh’s nomination despite sexual misconduct allegations against the judge.



The Senate ultimately confirmed Kavanaugh, 50-48, with Flake voting in favor of the judge. 7:36 p.m.Former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said Tuesday he’s glad the woman who confronted him in a Capitol elevator last year during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing is attending the State of the Union as a guest of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).“I’m glad she’s there,” he said on CBS News, where he’s a contributor. “You know, she had a real impact. I was very unsettled about where we were on the Kavanaugh nomination. I felt there was no reason why we couldn’t have an FBI investigation and that episode in the elevator helped me make up my mind to actually request and demand that investigation.”Footage of Ana Maria Archila’s exchange with Flake went viral last September when she told the then-senator that he was sending a message that sexual assault survivors “don’t matter” by supporting Kavanaugh’s nomination despite sexual misconduct allegations against the judge.The Senate ultimately confirmed Kavanaugh, 50-48, with Flake voting in favor of the judge.

McConnell: Trump could 'win' on national emergency fight

7:22 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that President Trump could "prevail" in the fight with Congress over an emergency declaration to build the U.S.-Mexico border wall by vetoing a potential resolution.

McConnell, speaking with Fox News's Martha MacCallum, declined to say how he would vote on a potential resolution of disapproval, but predicted that it "wouldn't be without controversy" if the president declares a national emergency.

"I think there are different opinions about it, and if he goes that route we'll just hash it out," McConnell said, asked if he thought Republicans would line up behind Trump if he declares a national emergency.

The Senate GOP leader added that Trump could "prevail" in a potential fight with Congress by vetoing a resolution of disapproval if it reaches his desk. The resolution would initially only need to be able to garner a simple majority in both chambers. Democrats would then need two-thirds support in both chambers in order to override a veto.

"The president could win anyway by vetoing the bill and then trying to get enough votes to sustain it, so may ultimately be able to prevail on the national emergency alternative," McConnell said.

Though a group of lawmakers have until Feb. 15 to reach a deal on breaking the months-long stalemate over border security funding, the president hasn't yet ruled out declaring a national emergency to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Without a deal the government could face its second partial shutdown in as many months. McConnell told Fox News on Tuesday that "nothing good comes out of a government shutdown."