Former top Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon’s testimony before the House Intelligence Committee has been postponed for a third time it was announced today. Bannon had been subpoenaed to appear before the committee and the hearing was scheduled for this morning but Bannon defied that order and didn’t show up.
Ranking member on the committee, Democrat Adam Schiff, released a statement today alleging Bannon was prohibited from testifying by the White House. According to Schiff, the White House will only permit Bannon to answer fourteen pre-approved questions submitted by the committee, an accommodation Schiff called unacceptable.
If Bannon continues to refuse to testify, the committee, Schiff said should begin contempt proceedings:
“This is unacceptable, and the Committee remains united on this matter – the Committee’s subpoena remains in effect and his interview has been rescheduled for next week. Testifying before he Special Counsel does not obviate Mr. Bannon’s obligations under the subpoena issued by the Committee. Should Bannon maintain his refusal to return and testify fully to all questions, he Committee should begin contempt proceedings to compel testimony.”
It has also been reported today that Bannon will likely meet with special counsel Robert Mueller within the next week. Bannon had promised to cooperate with Mueller saying he will answer “all” of Mueller’s questions.