House to see ‘key’ Mueller evidence
Justice Dept. officials agree to turn over files
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department agreed Monday to begin turning over “key evidence” from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of President Donald Trump to lawmakers, the head of the House Judiciary Committee said.
The House had been scheduled to vote Tuesday to authorize litigation to enforce subpoenas for documents from Attorney General William Barr and former White House counsel Don McGahn.
Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said that in exchange for access to Mueller’s records, lawmakers would delay an effort to hold Barr in contempt.
Nadler said the Justice Department agreed to give committee members access to Mueller’s “most important files,” which he said would give them “key evidence that the special counsel used to assess whether the president and others obstructed justice or were engaged in other misconduct.”
The Justice Department reached a similar agreement with the Intelligence Committee earlier. Nadler did not offer details about what files were to be turned over.
Kerri Kupec, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said the department is committed to accommodating Congress’ legitimate interests in the Mueller inquiry.
“We are pleased the committee has agreed to set aside its contempt resolution and is returning to the traditional accommodation process,” she said.
The House will still vote Tuesday on the resolution authorizing litigation in federal court for documents that weren’t covered by the compromise, including those from Barr and McGahn, Nadler said.
“We have agreed to allow the department time to demonstrate compliance with this agreement,” Nadler said. “If the department proceeds in good faith and we are able to obtain everything that we need, then there will be no need to take further steps. If important information is held back, then we will have no choice but to enforce our subpoena in court and consider other remedies.”
Trump and congressional Republicans have said Mueller’s case is closed and Democrats should move on.