Watch CBS News

Ex-Trump Official Defies, Subpoena, Dems Weigh Contempt Vote

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee says the White House is now in "open defiance" of his panel after lawyers advised a former official to defy a subpoena related to the committee's investigation of White House security clearances.

Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings says he is consulting with members and staff about scheduling a vote on contempt after former White House personnel security director Carl Kline did not show up for a scheduled deposition on Tuesday.

The committee had subpoenaed Kline after one of his former subordinates told the panel that dozens of people in President Donald Trump's administration were granted security clearances despite "disqualifying issues" in their backgrounds.

The fight over Kline's appearance comes as the White House has stonewalled the panel in several different investigations.

Follow @WJZ on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.