Those words echoed a missive from the White House last week, in which the President's White House Counsel declared that the Executive Branch would not cooperate with the House impeachment investigation.
"In addition, the subpoena is overbroad, unduly burdensome, and seeks documents beyond the scope of legitimate inquiry," the Giuliani letter continued, as Democrats look for more information on what Giuliani was doing in Ukraine in recent months.
Democrats had asked for 'text messages, phone records, and other communications' about his work in Ukraine in a September 30 letter which set Monday as the deadline to produce information.
JUST IN: Here’s the letter from GIULIANI’s (now former) attorney denying the House’s subpoena for documents. Calls the request “unduly burdensome.” pic.twitter.com/bMXkeJFtvD
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) October 15, 2019
"He’s solely focused on obstructing the Impeachment Inquiry," tweeted Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) about President Trump.
"The White House has engaged in stonewalling and outright defiance of Congressional prerogatives," said Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer.
Republicans meanwhile complained that Democrats were running an unfair investigation, echoing attacks from the White House.
"The American people are not participants in this process," said Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX), as Republicans said a series of closed door depositions should be made public.
As lawmakers in Congress returned from a two week break, some Republicans were reminded of their past statements about figures who refused to honor subpoenas during investigations.
Reporter: "20 years ago, you said not complying with a subpoena was an impeachable offense."
— The Hill (@thehill) October 15, 2019
Sen. Lindsey Graham: "Nothing's changed." pic.twitter.com/RDkmOWks7U
Meanwhile, as questioning continued behind closed doors for another State Department witness, an interesting break was developing in this investigation - while high profile witnesses like Giuliani were defying subpoenas, former Trump Administration and State Department officials were not.
On Tuesday, George Kent, a State Department official who specializes in Ukraine policy was answering questions, even though he had been directed not to answer any.
Wednesday is expected to bring testimony from a former top aide to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Michael McKinley abruptly resigned from his State Department post earlier this month.
About the Author