(WTVF) — A Tennessee congressman was among roughly two-dozen House Republicans who stormed a closed-door deposition in secure House Intelligence Committee spaces to speak out against the impeachment inquiry.
Rep. Mark Green, Tennessee's 7th District in Congress, joined the group led by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida in barging into the deposition. The lawmakers demanded to be allowed to see the private proceedings where members of three committees planned to interview Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Laura Cooper.
From this morning's press conference outside the closed door hearing in the Capitol basement where @SpeakerPelosi and @RepAdamSchiff are conducting their secret impeachment proceedings. The American people deserve and demand transparency. pic.twitter.com/DsCOFOH3rc
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) October 23, 2019
"Remember Speaker Pelosi, this government, this legislature is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Speaker Pelosi has tyrannically commandeered the House of Representatives. It's as if she thinks the Founders wanted a government of Pelosi, by Pelsoi, and for Pelosi," Gaetz said in a press conference.
Two dozen Republican lawmakers storm secure room, interrupt private impeachment inquiry deposition
Pizza and snacks were even brought into the committee area while they refused to leave. Cooper left the room while the Republicans refused to vacate the space. The source says the Capitol Police and sergeant at arms have been consulted as members refuse to leave the room, and lawmakers say there are ongoing negotiations about how to end the standoff.
Republicans say they forced their way in because Democrats are holding impeachment depositions behind closed doors, denying the public the ability to see what's being said by witnesses that could be used to impeach Trump.
