The subpoenas are coming.

[kentuck]

If Trump and his staff are running around with their hair on fire right now, what are they going to do when they get their subpoenas?

The Democrats are probably of one of two minds right now?

Either they want to get some more testimony and evidence before they impeach, or they are going to move consistently thru the courts with the subpoenas? They should make a written request that it be fast-tracked thru the Courts. It will be up to the judges to decide what speed they wish to move.

[Newest Reality]

1. A lot people have been wondering...

Will the subpoenas have any teeth? What are the consequence actually going to be if they are completely ignored?

That seems to be the most pivotal point. I guess we will find out if Trump's coup continues unabated.

[kentuck]

2. These subpoenas have come with a warning label.

They will only have as much teeth as the Judiciary gives them.

[Newest Reality]

3. So then,

More popcorn is in order, I guess? Time to stock up.

[kentuck]

6. It's beginning to dawn on the Republicans, in my opinion...

...that impeachment may not be a winner for them, after all. It could drag them all into the hole.

And they need to get Trump out of office soon, or it could get much, much worse.

[asiliveandbreathe]

4. One of our own.struggleforprogress' post from earlier..for some context

from Nixons article of impeachment..obstruction of justice..and here we are...

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100212535276

[kentuck]

7. Thanks!

[MineralMan]

5. I think the current strategy is to present the subpoenas to

the administration. If they comply, then fine. If they do not comply, their non-compliance will be treated as a count of obstruction of justice on the part of the administration in the Articles of Impeachment.

That's what I'm gathering from news reports. Instead of fighting it out in the courts, they'll just make the obstruction part of the impeachment process. It's sort of brilliant. Congress has every right to demand documents to help them with their investigation. That's part of their oversight responsibility. It's not an unreasonable demand at all.

Congress is a co-equal branch of government, with the responsibility to provide checks and balances on the Executive Branch. That's built into the Constitutional make-up of our system of government. If Congress requests documents through its power of subpoena, then the Executive has to deliver those documents. If it does not, it is obstructing a lawful investigation.

It's a shortcut, really. I like it.

[kentuck]

8. Yep. They have also been warned about "adverse inference"...

By refusing to testify, we can infer a conscience of guilt.

[MineralMan]

9. It's a good strategy, and there is a warning.

I suggest that the administration cooperate.