Key House panel faces pivotal week on Trump

The House Judiciary Committee, which would consider articles of impeachment against President TrumpDonald John TrumpHead of Trump's Council of Economic Advisers to depart administration The Guardian editorial board says Trump is 'not welcome' in U.K. ahead of his first state visit Kushner casts doubt on the ability of Palestinians to govern themselves MORE if that process moves forward, is set for a pivotal week.Rep. Jerrold NadlerJerrold (Jerry) Lewis NadlerTop Judiciary Republican: Mueller believes 'you're guilty until we prove you innocent' Seven key allies for Pelosi on impeachment Democrats are running out of stunts to pull from impeachment playbook MORE (D-N.Y.), the panel’s chairman, has jostled for weeks with the administration to secure more documents and witness testimony — including that of special counsel Robert MuellerRobert (Bob) Swan MuellerMueller seeks quiet retreat from public life Democratic lawmaker: 'The only thing I can get on TV to talk about' is impeachment Biden campaign: Impeachment 'may be unavoidable' now MORE — to guide probes into Russian election hacking and allegations that Trump obstructed Mueller’s investigation.But the efforts have come up largely empty in the face of the administration’s near-blanket refusal to honor those requests, leading to confrontations about holding administration officials for contempt, and raising the pressure on Democratic leaders to consider impeachment.The dynamics leave Nadler squeezed between Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTop Dems tread carefully on impeachment Clyburn says he thinks House will eventually impeach Trump Long-shot Dems see little downside in running for president MORE (D-Calif.) and other top leaders, who want to continue the investigations without invoking the Article I powers of impeachment, and a restive caucus that’s moving slowly but steadily toward the belief that they have no other choice.“Obviously people are frustrated that we haven’t moved faster. “The report is my testimony,” Mueller said, vowing not to discuss anything outside the confines of the document.“I hope and expect this to be the only time that I will speak about this matter,” he said Wednesday during brief remarks at the Department of Justice, marking his first public statement since being tapped as special counsel two years ago.The remarks have done nothing to assuage impatient Democrats hungry for the opportunity to have Mueller on the witness stand, where they intend to press him on countless questions still lingering around his report, most notably his decision not to bring obstruction of justice charges against the president.If Mueller is confident the public can glean his findings by reading the 448-page report, Democrats think the better way to broadcast his message is via televised hearings with the author himself.“He can help parameterize and bring the report to life for the American people,” Rep. Ro KhannaRohit (Ro) KhannaSanders banking on Iowa win to surge past Biden Hillicon Valley: Pelosi blasts Facebook for not taking down doctored video | Democrats push election security after Mueller warning | Critics dismiss FCC report on broadband access | Uber to ban passengers with low ratings Silicon Valley lawmaker calls on Facebook to remove doctored Pelosi video MORE (D-Calif.), a liberal who's backing Pelosi's cautious approach, said by phone.