Schiff Tells GOP 'No' on Whisteblower Testimony

Evidence makes that 'redundant,' Democratic chairman says
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 10, 2019 10:45 AM CST
Whistleblower Doesn't Need to Testify, Schiff Tells GOP
Rep. Adam Schiff answered Republicans' request to hear from the whistleblower in the impeachment inquiry.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

House Republicans submitted the names of people on Saturday they want to call as witnesses in the impeachment inquiry. The whistleblower was on the list. Democrat Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has answered that there's no point, because evidence and testimony have more than confirmed the information in the whistleblower's complaint. "The whistleblower's testimony is therefore redundant and unnecessary," Schiff wrote Saturday to Republicans, the Hill reports. In addition, President Trump has used threatening language about the whistleblower. So summoning the whistleblower, "would only place their personal safety at grave risk," Schiff wrote.

On Sunday, a Democratic committee member said the entire GOP list might not be denied, per Politico. Schiff might agree to call Kurt Volker, former Ukraine envoy, and Tim Morrison, a National Security Council staff member. They've already given depositions in private. "We want to stay focused on the Ukraine call," Rep. Jackie Speier said. Republican Rep. Devin Nunes answered Schiff that "Americans see through this sham impeachment process" and that Trump should be allowed "to confront his accusers," per Politico. One Republican House member who's retiring differed on that Sunday. Calling the whistleblower law an important check on government, Rep. Will Hurd said, per the Hill. "I think we should be protecting the identity of the whistleblower." (More whistleblower stories.)

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