Rep. Jayapal: AG Barr’s no-show for House testimony ‘deeply destructive’

Washington Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal counted herself among Democrats who were dismayed that U.S. Attorney General William Barr opted not to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee Thursday.

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The House Judiciary Committee proceeded with the hearing in front of Barr’s empty chair, with many Democrats speaking out against his decision to no-show. That included Rep. Jayapal.

“I think we are truly in a new phase of this entire situation, that is deeply, deeply destructive to the Constitution, and the foundations of our democracy,” she said Thursday.

She wondered if Barr is using his position to be the president’s personal defense counsel, noting that in her opinion, the attorney general has made it clear he isn’t bothered by President Trump’s dishonesty.

“[Barr] made it clear on several occasions that he thought that it was fine for the president to lie,” continued Jayapal. “At this point, another step that we will be taking, is we want Robert Mueller to come and testify before us. We need to hear directly from the special counsel about his report, and about his findings.”

At this point, I don't feel that I can trust anything that the Attorney General is saying because I don't know who Barr works for. He certainly is not working for the American people. pic.twitter.com/8m1jaRFKsk

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) May 2, 2019

New York Democratic Congressman — and U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chair — Jerrold Nadler pulled few punches for his part, stating that Congress “will have no choice but to move quickly to hold the attorney general in contempt if he stalls or fails to negotiate in good faith.”

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