Rep. Jim Jordan, the ranking member on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, revealed on Thursday Republicans plan on subpoenaing the Ukraine whistleblower to get the individual to testify in a public hearing.
While Republicans can submit the subpoena, Democrats have the power to veto their request. House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) initially voiced support to have the whistleblower testify since their complaint started the ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Trump.
Now Schiff does not want the whistleblower testify, citing safety concerns. Republicans have accused Schiff of changing his position since the whistleblower had contact with his office prior to filing the complaint.
The whistleblower filed a complaint over Trump's July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he expressed desire to have Ukraine investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.
We have been informed by the whistleblower’s counsel that their client would like to speak to our committee and has requested guidance from the Acting DNI as to how to do so.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) September 24, 2019
We‘re in touch with counsel and look forward to the whistleblower’s testimony as soon as this week.
The Washington Examiner reported all talks between the House Committees and the whistleblower's attorneys have halted.
"There is no indication that either of the original whistleblowers will be called to testify or appear before the Senate or House Intelligence committees. There is no further discussion ongoing between the legal team and the committees," a source familiar with the discussions said.
The impeachment inquiry is now entering the public phase after weeks of closed door depositions. The House Intelligence Committee released four transcripts from the depositions this week.
