House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) met with Chairman Devin Nunes (R-CA) on Thursday following several days of tension over their investigation into Russia’s potential meddling in U.S. elections. Nunes angered Schiff and other Democrats on the committee when he shared details about their investigation with the public and the White House before sharing it with them. Based on information he had, Nunes concluded that Trump's transition team had been the victims of surveillance of Obama intelligence officials. Intel committee Democrats have since accused Nunes of colluding with the White House over the findings and cowing to pressure from Trump to cancel public hearings into the investigation.
Following his meeting with Nunes on Thursday, Schiff addressed reporters with a few updates. Judging by his tone, it was apparent his mind was not eased after their conversation. Namely, he still wants to know how Nunes obtained the information that suggested Trump’s transition team had been placed under surveillance.
“I’m more than perplexed by how these materials have been put forward,” Schiff said. “I think the White House has a lot of questions to answer.”
Schiff told the press that he received a letter from the White House Counsel that raises more questions than answers. In the letter, the administration invited him and Nunes to review National Security Council documents relevant to the investigation.
In his response, the Democrat said that the full committee should be able to see the materials.
Schiff response to White House counsel's letter pic.twitter.com/W1Scln28zh
— Tim Mak (@timkmak) March 30, 2017
Schiff said he hopes the committee gets the White House’s cooperation, especially because a "cloud" is now over the Russia probe.
“If they’re ready to go tomorrow, I am,” he said, referring to the documents.
Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee has begun its own public hearings into their Russia investigation.