The Senate Judiciary Committee is moving forward with a piece of legislation designed to block President Trump‘s ability to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, The Hill reports.
In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson for Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said he wants to push the legislation forward this Thursday, but in order to do that, “the Minority would need to assent. Committee rules require such assent within 72 hours of a markup. Grassley has sought that assent, and is waiting to hear back.”
The bill could face a few setbacks. As The Hill points out, committee rules state that any Senate member can potentially delay a vote for up to a week — a tactic that could be utilized by senators who are opposed to the bill.
The legislation, from Sens. Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), would let Mueller, or any other special counsel, receive an “expedited judicial review” within 10 days of being fired to determine if it was for a “good cause.” If it wasn’t, the special counsel would be reinstated.
The measure would also codify existing regulations that only a senior Justice Department official can fire a special counsel and that they must provide the reason in writing.
Two previous bills designed to protect Mueller went months without a vote. This time around, the bill’s need for a vote is a little more urgent.
Featured image via Michael Vadon (Flickr)
