U.S Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said in a Monday statement he will hear out sexual-assault claims against U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in a public hearing next week.

Kavanaugh and his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford will appear in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by Grassley, next Monday, according to a Monday statement from the Senate Judiciary committee.

“… anyone who comes forward as Dr. [Christine Blasey] Ford has done deserves to be heard,” Grassley said in a statement.

Ford, a professor in California, told The Washington Post in a report published Sunday, the assault occurred approximately 30 years ago while the two were in high school. Kavanaugh has firmly denied the statements.

Grassley has placed blame on committee ranking chair member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., for withholding the identity of Kavanaugh’s accuser.

“Unfortunately, committee Democrats have refused to join us in this effort.  However, to provide ample transparency, we will hold a public hearing Monday to give these recent allegations a full airing,” Grassley said in the prepared judicial committee statement.

— Emily Wangen