WASHINGTON — Lawyers for House Democrats are urging a judge to release secret grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation as Congress conducts an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
Chief U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell heard arguments Tuesday but did not immediately rule on the request.
Doug Letter, a lawyer for the House, said the materials are needed to investigate what Trump knew about Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The argument turns in part on whether the House is conducting a formal impeachment inquiry and whether it counts as a “judicial proceeding.” While grand jury transcripts are secret, one exception allows them to be shared for “judicial proceedings.”
Republicans argue that impeachment is not under way until a formal House vote. Democrats say no vote is necessary.
