This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
On July 24, 2019, Robert S. Mueller III will appear before the House Judiciary Committee to answer questions about his investigation. To assist him, his longtime right-hand aide, Aaron Zebley, will be seated beside him at the witness table.
According to people familiar with the hearing, the Judiciary Committee had initially agreed to allow Mr. Mueller to bring Mr. Zebley along, but only if he was sworn in as a witness. This would have allowed lawmakers to question Mr. Zebley directly, potentially altering the carefully laid plans for the hearing.
Instead, Mr. Zebley will serve as counsel to Mr. Mueller, allowing him to confer privately with the former special counsel if needed. This arrangement is not uncommon in congressional hearings, where government witnesses often bring aides along to provide assistance.
Mr. Mueller's testimony is expected to cover two years of investigative details, and he will need to avoid disclosing nonpublic information. The House Intelligence Committee is also scheduled to hold a hearing with Mr. Mueller on the same day.
Jim Popkin, a spokesman for Mr. Mueller, stated that Mr. Zebley 'will accompany special counsel Mueller to the Wednesday hearings, as was discussed with the committees more than a week ago.'
