The attorney general may not appear for this week’s House hearing if Democrats insist on allowing Judiciary Committee staff to question him.
By Karoun Demirjian and Karoun Demirjian Congressional reporter focusing on national security Email Bio Follow Devlin Barrett Devlin Barrett Reporter focusing on national security and law enforcement Email Bio Follow April 29 at 8:04 PM Justice Department officials met Monday with Democratic staff for the House Judiciary Committee, but the two sides remained far apart on the terms for Attorney General William P.
Justice Department officials have threatened that Barr may not appear for the hearing under such conditions, while House Democratic staffers have countered that the attorney general may be subpoenaed if he refuses.It is standard practice in Congress for lawmakers to question witnesses directly, though decades ago, questioning by committee staff was more common.
Barr made the Mueller report public earlier this month, but with redactions to avoid revealing grand jury material and information that could compromise ongoing investigations. Democrats are demanding many lawmakers — not just a small number of senior party leaders — be allowed to view its redacted portions.
Nadler said the Justice Department seems “very afraid” of the committee counsel’s questions, adding that if Barr does not show, they would “take appropriate action.” Committee aides indicated Sunday that lawmakers could subpoena the attorney general’s testimony.
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