Thursday, May 2, 2019

Democrats blast Barr for missing hearing

BY MORGAN CHALFANT - 05/02/19 10:01 AM EDT 147

House Democrats blasted Attorney General William Barr for refusing to appear at their hearing on Thursday — a day after much of the nation was transfixed on his testimony to the Senate on his handling of special counsel Robert Mueller's report.

Barr skipped the House hearing because he objected to Democratic demands that their staff counsel be able to question him.

Democrats went forward with the theater of the hearing anyway, setting up an empty chair for the absent attorney general. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) brought a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken to the morning event, and accused Barr of being a coward after it ended.

House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) tore into Barr, accusing him of failing to check President Trump’s “worst instincts” and misrepresenting Mueller’s findings.

“He has failed the men and women of the Department by placing the needs of the President over the fair administration of justice,” Nadler said. “He has even failed to show up today.”

Republicans on the panel accused Nadler of both making unreasonable demands of the attorney general after he tried to work in good faith with the committee and of trampling on the rights of minority members on the committee.

Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) accused Nadler of staging a “circus political stunt” and said the Democratic chairman wanted the hearing to look like an impeachment hearing.

“That is the reason. The reason Bill Barr is not here today is because the Democrats decided they didn’t want him here today. That’s the reason he’s not here,” Collins said. “Not hearing from him is a travesty to this committee today.”

Nadler concluded the hearing after a half an hour by demanding the Justice Department provide the committee access to Mueller’s unredacted report and underlying evidence. Nadler has threatened a contempt citation against Barr if he doesn’t meet Democrats’ demands.

“We need the information without delay,” Nadler said in closing. “The hearing is adjourned.”

“And will do so with trampling minority rights,” Collins said.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) objected to Nadler’s decision to swiftly end the hearing, echoing Collins’ accusations that the Democratic leader was sidelining members in the minority.

“Is this is what it’s going to be, Mr. chairman, where there is not going to be a recognition of members who seek legitimate inquiry as to the procedures —” Gaetz said, before his microphone was cut off.