The Senate Judiciary Committee is moving forward with legislation to limit President Trump
Donald John TrumpMichelle Wolf in July Fourth salute: 'God bless abortions and God bless America' Graham: Trump's Supreme Court picks 'all winners' Man arrested after allegedly threatening to kill Trump supporters, GOP lawmaker MORE's ability to fire special counsel Robert Mueller
Robert Swan MuellerSasse: US should applaud choice of Mueller to lead Russia probe MORE.
Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley
Charles (Chuck) Ernest GrassleyThe Senate's grown-ups in the Trump-Russia probe follow facts, not politics Trump: 'No final straw' on Pruitt GOP lawmakers relieved with Pruitt’s departure MORE (R-Iowa) wants to add the bill to the panel's business meeting agenda scheduled for Thursday, a spokesman for the senator confirmed to The Hill.
A spokesman for Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Dianne Emiel FeinsteinCardiology, airplanes, HD-TV and the filibuster Amy Coney Barrett emerges as favorite on right, target for left Election Countdown: Calls to abolish ICE test Dem candidates | First round of House GOP 'Young Guns' | How Tester is handling Trump's Montana visit | Dem candidate won't back Schumer as leader | Super PACs ramp up Missouri ad buys MORE (Calif.), the top Democrat on the committee, confirmed that Grassley and his staff have reached out about adding the legislation to Thursday's agenda.
Asked if Feinstein had signed off, the spokesman added that it was under review. He later clarified that they have not yet received a copy of the bill text.
Even if the bill is taken up by the committee, it could still face delays.
Under committee rules, any one member can delay a vote on legislation for a week. Multiple senators on the panel are opposed to the bill, making it likely it will be held back.
The legislation, from Sens. Christopher Coons
Christopher (Chris) Andrew CoonsSunday shows preview: Washington braces for Trump's Supreme Court pick America stands to lose as China places bets on developing world Dem senator to introduce anti-discrimination bill after Supreme Court upholds travel ban MORE (D-Del.), Cory Booker
Cory Anthony BookerClash looms over ICE funding Pence delivers pep rally for ICE agents amid Dem attacks No one can use Mueller probe to hold up Supreme Court nominee MORE (D-N.J.), Thom Tillis
Thomas (Thom) Roland TillisMusical instrument manufacturer threatens to move overseas due to Trump tariffs Dem senator blasts administration for 'cruelty and incompetence' after immigration briefing Supreme Court vacancy throws Senate battle into chaos MORE (R-N.C.) and Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Olin GrahamGraham: Trump's Supreme Court picks 'all winners' Trump says he's close to making final Supreme Court decision Supreme Court talk dominates Sunday shows as Trump nears decision MORE (R-S.C.), would let Mueller, or any other special counsel, receive an "expedited judicial review" within 10 days of being fired to determine if it was for a "good cause." If it wasn't, the special counsel would be reinstated.
The measure would also codify existing regulations that only a senior Justice Department official can fire a special counsel and that they must provide the reason in writing.
Tillis told The Hill that he wasn't certain the bill would be able to get a vote on Thursday but said it would "certainly" happen "here in the next week."
The committee action would come after two previous special counsel bills languished for months without a vote.
If the bill passes out of committee it would also put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGraham: Trump's Supreme Court picks 'all winners' Trump says he's close to making final Supreme Court decision An end game on Supreme Court nominations MORE (R-Ky.) to let the legislation come up for a vote.
McConnell on Tuesday said he saw no need for a vote on legislation protecting Mueller because he doesn't believe Trump will fire him.
