During an emotional Senate hearing regarding an alleged sexual assault by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said President Donald Trump’s unwillingness to involve the FBI is “tantamount to a cover-up.”

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford spoke to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday about an incident in which Kavanaugh allegedly held her down, covered her mouth and attempted to forcibly remove her clothing when they were both teenagers. The president and Republican lawmakers are hoping to confirm Kavanaugh for a spot on the high court within days.

When it was his turn to speak, Blumenthal commended Blasey’s bravery, said this was a “teaching moment” for America, and blasted the president for his continued defense of Kavanaugh and his unwillingness to call for an FBI investigation.

Blumenthal said it was Trump’s responsibility, not Blasey’s, to call for an FBI investigation into the alleged assault.

“It’s not up to you; it’s up to the president,” the senator said. “His failure to ask for an FBI investigation, in my view, is tantamount to a cover-up.”

Kavanaugh has now been publicly accused of sexual misconduct by three women. But the president has stuck by his Supreme Court nominee, calling the judge “one of the finest people I’ve ever known” and trying to discredit one of the accusers. Deborah Ramirez said Kavanaugh exposed himself and thrust his penis in her face at a party in college. Trump said she “has nothing” because she “admits she was drunk.”