Republicans were sent into a frenzy on Thursday as Democrats pressed for the subpoena of Rudy Giuliani during the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Tensions escalated when Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) proposed issuing a subpoena to the former president’s ex-attorney due to Giuliani’s involvement in seeking information in Ukraine.
In a rapid response, Republicans immediately called for Mfume’s motion to be halted. However, their efforts were hindered by the absence of many members in the room, preventing them from securing the vote. Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) attempted to expedite proceedings by calling for a “voice vote,” but Democrats insisted on recording the names, leading to further discord.
Amidst this commotion, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) exhibited visible signs of unease, pacing in the back row, nervously licking his lips, and issuing instructions to those in attendance.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-NC) entered the room and sought clarification on the ongoing vote. Comer explained that it pertained to the subpoenaing of Giuliani.
Mace voiced her perspective, stating, “Well, he doesn’t have a lot to do with this.”
After rallying their members, Republicans eventually succeeded in passing the motion to table Giuliani’s subpoena.
Mfume expressed his dissatisfaction, asserting, “I do reclaim my time and I asked my question where in the world is Rudy Giuliani?”
“And that is how we got here, ladies and gentlemen. This committee is afraid to bring him before us and put him on the record. Shame,” he continued. “The question was raised, what does this have to do with it? It has everything to do with it. And [witness University of North Carolina law] Professor [Michael Gerhardt], in your testimony you said, in every impeachment inquiry beforehand, the House has identified some credible evidence of wrongdoing committed by the targeted president, is that correct?”
“Yes, sir,” said Gerhardt.
Mfume probed whether House Republicans had engaged in an unprecedented overreach of congressional power, to which the GOP witness acknowledged the possibility.
“It strikes me that it is,” the GOP witness said.
See the hearing below:
