Resistance always has existed between the executive and legislative branches when Congress is seeking witnesses and documents, but President Donald Trump's decision to refuse cooperation in further proceedings is "not a healthy thing for this country," Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin said Monday.
"It happens all the time, but usually [it's] behind the scenes and resolved before the end of the day," the Illinois Democrat told MSNBC's "Morning Joe." "In this case, it is just a blanket decision by this administration that they are going to stonewall and stop."
When a president is not held accountable by Congress, then his or her term in office is held accountable to an election every four years, said Durbin.
"The function of this democracy requires a relationship between the two, and some back and forth," said Durbin. "In this circumstance, whether it's the tax returns, other documentation, witnesses, we're in a fight to the finish."
Meanwhile, Attorney General William Barr was to have appeared before the Senate and House judiciary committees this week to testify about the Robert Mueller report, but the Justice Department informed the House group that Barr may not appear because of objections to a plan allowing counsels, not lawmakers, to question him.
Durbin said he does not know what can be done to compel Barr's testimony but he does believe he should "be held accountable."
Also on Monday, Durbin refused to back any Democratic presidential candidates, as he still works with several of the senators who are running.
"This will evolve and change," said Durbin. " I'm a great fan of Joe Biden and respect him as a great friend and leader. But there are many good candidates in this race."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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