Schiff can’t do that without a functioning, independent DoJ. But there may be an answer if Schiff is willing to be bold.
It came out in the document dump to CNN and Buzzfeed yesterday, the absolute proof that Erik Prince lied to congress. Schiff submitted a criminal referral to the DoJ months ago that Barr has buried. Schiff would be well within his rights to ask Barr to come before congress and explain and if necessary, to supoena Barr. There is no executive privilige here. This is strictly between the committee and Barr. Barr is already in nonfeasance dereliction of duty. Should Barr refuse to appear, Schiff would have a very strong pretext to begin impeachment proceedings against Barr, personally. This could cripple Barr’s power.
It would be useful to cite a few of the Trump admin folks who refuse to testify with contempt. It is becoming increasingly clear that the nature and extent of contempt of Congress needs to be litigated and settled. It is pretty clear, even to a non-lawyer, that the definition of what is acceptable under executive privilege is being stretched out of all reasonable bounds. The Trump loyalists are treating violation of subpoenas as if this were commonplace, acceptable behavior that has no consequences.
I’m going to suggest that instead of jail time for all these obstructors, the judge should just impose fines. The highest fines go to those closest to the President.
[Robert Blair] will follow the White House’s order not to testify
Or “Blair will follow the White House’s order to obstruct”. Why not let him just tell everybody what he heard, especially if it’ll clear Trump? I mean, these are his own people.
These fines, should they ever be levied, are on the person and not the department, right? $50K/day should get their attention, I’d say. After three days, it rises to $125K/day. Once anyone who is a millionaire X 25, the fine starts at $750K/day. After three days, it rises to $1M/day. Considering the level of obstruction from these individuals and the sheer amount of gaslighting, these amounts are rather mild, but they should still get the attention of each obstructionist.
Enough is enough of witnesses refusing to testify and or submit documents. Democrats need to Demand that the courts make rulings within 7 days and appeals also within 7 days. Otherwise when Democrats take control of Congress next year, new legislation should be written forcing the courts to do so under any Impeachment Inquiry is undertaken. Since this doesn’t happen all that often the courts will not be placed under any burden. Democrats and the media should be pounding on this issue every day until the courts start doing their job of fast tracking an investigation.
