Jan. 6 Committee In ‘Discussions’ With Pence About Testifying, Cheney Says

Topline

The House January 6 committee has held “discussions” with former Vice President Mike Pence’s legal team about him testifying before the panel, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) told ABC’s “This Week,” after the former vice president signaled he would be willing to speak to the committee if asked to do so.

Key Facts

Cheney, the committee’s vice chairwoman, did not rule out calling Pence to publicly testify during the committee’s next round of hearings in September.

Pence said at an event in New Hampshire on Wednesday that “if there was an invitation to participate, I would consider it,” though he expressed some reservations.

Cheney said Pence’s legal team has voiced concerns about executive privilege issues, which has been a common snag the committee has run into with several top witnesses, who claim they cannot legally answer questions about specific conversations involving former President Donald Trump.

Pence did not directly answer multiple questions from reporters at the Iowa State Fair on Friday about his contact with the January 6 committee, but reiterated he would consider appearing if given a “formal invitation.”

Crucial Quote

“I believe in executive privilege, I think it matters,” Cheney said in an interview with ABC reporter Jonathan Karl. “But I also think when the country has been through something as grave as this was, everyone who has information has an obligation to step forward.”

Key Background

Pence was a central figure in the January 6 committee’s hearings this summer, where he was painted as a key figure that foiled Trump’s plans to overturn the 2020 election results. Witnesses stated Trump became irate when Pence refused to block the certification of the results, adding he seemed to condone rioters who called for Pence’s lynching. Pence was rushed to an underground loading dock as the Trump-supporting mob stormed the Capitol, but he refused to be evacuated from the complex. The vice president’s security staff was so concerned about the situation that they put in calls over their radios asking colleagues to tell their loved ones goodbye in the event they were killed.

What We Don’t Know

It’s not clear when the committee will hold hearings in September, or how many hearings there will be.

Further Reading

Pence says he’d consider testifying to House January 6 committee (NPR)

Jan. 6 Hearings: Pence Team ‘Shocked And Disappointed’ When Trump Claimed VP Agreed He Could Overturn Election (Forbes)

Jan. 6 Hearings: Pence’s Security Staff Wanted To Say Goodbye To Families During Riot—Fearing For Their Lives, Official Says (Forbes)