Brett Kavanaugh vote - LIVE: Swing voters Susan Collins and Joe Manchin announce they will vote yes
Donald Trump tweeted he was 'very proud' of the Senate's roll call vote
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Your support makes all the difference.The US Senate is likely set to place Brett Kavanaugh's on the Supreme Court after swing vote Senators declare they will vote to confirm Donald Trump's second nominee to the highest court in the country.
Senators were provided up to 30 hours to debate ahead of a final vote on the embattled nominee, who has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by numerous women, primarily Christine Blasey Ford. However, Republican Senators Susan Collins and Jeff Flake as well Democratic Senator Joe Manchin have already said they support the nomination.
The final tally in Mr Kavanaugh’s procedural vote was 51-49, setting the stage for lawmakers to likely cast their final votes on the nominee over the weekend. Mr Trump celebrated the move, writing on Twitter, "Very proud of the US Senate for voting ‘YES’ to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh!"
Protests still continue on Capitol Hill as women are openly weeping over the likelihood of Mr Kavanaugh's lifetime appointment.
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"I believe Dr Ford...I don't believe it was Brett Kavanaugh," Mr Manchin said, echoing the sentiments expressed by many Senate Republicans.
"What is wrong with you?!" one protester yelled at Mr Manchin, who called Mr Kavanaugh a "qualified jurist".
With the "yes" vote confirmations from Ms Collins and Mr Manchin, coupled with Mr Flake's assertion he would vote to put Mr Kavanaugh on the court “unless something big changes,” it appears there are enough votes for Donald Trump to celebrate putting another nominee on the Supreme Court.
A final vote is likely to take place on Saturday 6 October now that the individual votes have been declared and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell knows there are enough to confirm Mr Kavanaugh.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin told CNN the FBI investigation "ignored" several key witnesses and said the president went "a step too far" when he "mocked and ridiculed" Dr Ford at a political rally earlier this week in Mississippi.
Mr Trump had earlier called Dr Ford a "fine woman" and a "very credible" witness.
↵Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, who walked out of the last day of the confirmation hearings in disgust, offered a word of encouragement in light of the recent news about Mr Kavanaugh.
That's all our coverage for today, but please do check back in tomorrow at independent.co.uk/us for our updates on the final vote and continuing protests.
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