Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
After weeks of controversy, the US Senate is set for a final vote on the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh.
If senators do not change their voting intentions, Judge Kavanaugh will be appointed to the top US court.
The vote is expected at about 17:00 local time (21:00 GMT).
Mr Kavanaugh has been embroiled in a bitter battle to stave off sexual assault allegations.
It’s actually been in session throughout the night covering the issue, although the debate has taken place in a largely empty chamber.
Senators are expected to be there in force from 15:30 in the lead-up to the vote.
The Senate is split 51-49 in favour of the Republicans and the vote will be largely along party lines. Mr Kavanaugh would actually only need a 50-50 vote, as that would force a tie-breaker in his favour from Vice-President Mike Pence.
It’s looking like a 51-49 vote in the judge’s favour at the moment, barring last-minute changes of mind. This was the tally in a procedural vote on Friday.
That’s because Republican senators who had been wavering on the issue have come down, with one exception, on Mr Kavanaugh’s side.
BBC