Idaho U.S. Representative Russ Fulcher was one of several Republicans who briefly brought House Democrats’ impeachment investigation to a halt Wednesday when they stormed into a closed-door deposition with a Defense Department official.
Democrats said the move compromised national security as some of the GOP members brought electronic devices into a secure room.
The maneuver delayed a deposition with Laura Cooper, a senior Defense Department official who oversees Ukraine policy, until mid-afternoon.
As a series of diplomats have been interviewed in the probe, several of them detailing President Donald Trump’s efforts to persuade Ukraine to investigate a political rival, many Republicans have been silent on the president’s behavior. But they have been outspoken about their disdain for Democrats and the impeachment process, saying it is unfair even though they have been in the room questioning witnesses and hearing the testimony. In fact, 48 Republicans are authorized to attend the depositions.
The interviews are being held in what is called a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, or SCIF, which is a secure room where members can hear classified information. Several lawmakers leaving the facility said that some of the Republicans brought their cellphones, even though electronics are not allowed.
Democrats have promised to release the transcripts when it will not affect their investigation. (KTVB, AP)
