HIRONO: Judge Kavanaugh, Chief Justice John Roberts has recognized that, quote, “The judicial branch is not immune,” end quote, from the widespread problem of sexual harassment and assault and has taken steps to address this issue.

As part of my responsibility, as a member of this committee, to ensure the fitness of nominees for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench, I ask each nominee two questions.

First question for you, since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature?

KAVANAUGH: No.

HIRONO: Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to this kind of conduct?

KAVANAUGH: No.

HIRONO: I started asking these questions about sexual harassment because it’s so hard to hold lifetime appointees to the federal bench accountable and because I did not want the Me Too movement to be swept under the rug.