Key takeaways:
- Michael D. Bopp, Harlan Crow’s attorney, has agreed to speak with staff members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about Crow’s relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
- The Senate Finance Committee is discussing “next steps” to force Crow to provide information about his ties to Thomas, including through a subpoena.
- The discussion between Crow’s attorney and staff members of the Senate Judiciary Committee could be a step towards further investigation into the matter.
A lawyer for Republican billionaire donor Harlan Crow has agreed to speak with staff members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about Crow’s relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Michael D. Bopp, Crow’s attorney, told Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill., in a letter Monday that although there remain “concerns” about lawmakers’ authority to investigate the matter, he “would welcome a discussion with your staff.”
The head of the Senate Finance Committee, Ron Wyden, said Tuesday that the panel is discussing “next steps” to force Crow to provide information about his ties to Thomas, including through a subpoena, after Crow again refused to provide the Finance panel with detailed information about the flights, gifts and trips aboard Crow’s yacht that Thomas received over the course of their 25-year friendship.
The Finance Committee had requested an accounting of Crow’s arrangements with Thomas, including the value of the gifts and accommodations provided to the justice. Bopp’s letter does not indicate whether Crow will provide the requested information.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is responsible for formulating legislation concerning the federal court system, and the discussion between Crow’s attorney and staff members of the committee could be a step towards further investigation into the matter. It is unclear at this time what the outcome of the discussion will be.
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