Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker will testify publicly before the House Judiciary Committee next month, House Democrats announced Tuesday.
What will likely be a high stakes hearing is set to take place on Feb. 8 at 9:30 a.m. ET, according a letter sent by House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., to Whitaker.
“Thank you for continuing to work with us to find a time for you to testify before the House Committee on the Judiciary,” Nadler wrote.
“As we have discussed and I have informed your staff, I expect you to appear on February 8 whether or not the current lapse in appropriations has been resolved, and whether or not the Senate has confirmed a new Attorney General,” he added.
Democrats had threatened to subpoena Whitaker to force an appearance, suggesting he was trying to wait until attorney general nominee William Barr was confirmed in order to avoid testifying. Lawmakers also accused him of using the partial federal government shutdown as a reason not to appear.
Barr appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday for the beginning of his confirmation hearings, and though it appears he has so far skirted any controversies that might derail his nomination, he likely won’t be in the position until mid-to-late February.
Whitaker is currently overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller and his Russia investigation, and he will do so until Barr assumes his position.
Nadler suggested to Whitaker that he consult with the White House ahead of the hearing on whether he plans to “invoke executive privilege in an attempt to avoid answering any particular question.”
Whitaker, whom President Trump picked to succeed ousted Attorney General Jeff Sessions, was scrutinized for his critical remarks about Mueller’s investigation, as well as his decision not to recuse himself from oversight despite a recommendation by Justice Department ethics officials.
