Schiff follows up on earlier statement from Maguire in which he said he had “not spoken to anyone about Ukraine.” But this time Maguire says he hasn’t spoken to anyone about Ukraine “except about this matter.” Still won’t say he has spoken to Trump about it.
Schiff asks whether the inspector general is still allowed to look into the matter, or if the OLC ruling prevents him from looking into the matter further. Maguire says the opinion allows things to go forward, and he has, by taking it to the FBI. Schiff insists that still means the inspector general has been cut off, along with any other inspector general. And that “going forward” with the FBI was cut off because Barr ruled that the matter didn’t constitute a campaign finance violation.
Schiff finishes off by rereading to Maguire the complaint and asking it should be investigated. Maguire says “the horse has left the barn,” that the committee has all the information and its up to them. Schiff again tries to ask if a complaint that the president has colluded with a foreign power should be investigated. After considerable sparring, in which Maguire keeps hedging, he refuses to provide his opinion. Insisting that action is now “on the shoulders” of the Congress.
Maguire insists that “it was investigated by the FBI.” Schiff immediately points out that it wasn’t investigated, because the DOJ cut them off and did not authorize an investigation.
Maguire keeps pushing back. Won’t agree that anything should be investigated. Repeats that he’s done his duty by bringing it to the committee. Maguire repeatedly insists that he doesn’t know if the allegations are true … but refuses to say that someone should attempt to find out.