Former FBI Director James Comey has finally agreed to privately testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee. His decision comes after nearly a week of negotiations over a subpoena for him to do so.
“I was disappointed that Mr. Comey filed a motion to quash the subpoena sent to him to appear for our investigation. Mr. Comey chose to file a motion to quash despite clear Supreme Court precedent setting forth Congress’ authority to issue subpoenas compelling testimony before its committees. There was no need to use baseless litigation in an attempt to run out the clock on this Congress, and I am glad that it was withdrawn," Chairman Bob Goodlatte released in a statement. “Mr. Comey will join us for a closed-door transcribed interview later this week. We will release the transcript of his interview to the public as soon as possible after the interview, in the name of our combined desire for transparency.”
According to Goodlatte, the following offer was made and accepted:
Mr. Comey should agree to these terms and see that we have the same purpose, which is to find the truth and seek transparency. In order to do so, he must appear before the Committees and answer our questions.
— Bob Goodlatte (@RepGoodlatte) November 28, 2018
James Comey is withdrawing his motion to quash his House subpoena. His legal team says that they’ve “reached an acceptable accommodation” with the House.
— Charlie Gile (@CharlieGileNBC) December 2, 2018
During a court hearing last week, Comey's legal team challenged the subpoena and asked for it to be dismissed. Due to a lack of legitimate legal argument to get the subpoena thrown out, attorneys ultimately told the judge to "make law."
Admitting that there’s virtually no case law supporting his motion to quash, Comey attorney told McFadden, “Here’s your opportunity, judge, to make some law.”
— Charlie Gile (@CharlieGileNBC) November 30, 2018
Clarifying that this was a lighthearted, joking moment but it illustrates how this motion is a long shot. https://t.co/P1lmQ7wQHw
— Charlie Gile (@CharlieGileNBC) November 30, 2018
Earlier this year, Comey was referred to the Department of Justice and FBI for criminal investigation by a number of House Republicans. Fired Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch were also referred.
