Article snippet: The refusal of a key former White House official to testify Monday in the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry raises new questions about the pace and effectiveness of the investigation into allegations of wrongdoing swirling around MORE. Democrats were quick to argue that the decision by Charles Kupperman, who was a deputy to former national security adviser MORE, to defy a congressional subpoena will do nothing to slow down their hard-charging probe into Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. Just hours later, Democratic leaders announced they will vote Thursday on legislation outlining the next phases of the process, to consist of public hearings as they weigh whether to introduce articles of impeachment. Yet Kupperman’s strategy to seek court authorization before participating in the probe could prove to be a model for future witnesses, both public and private, stirring new doubts about which Trump officials will appear on Capitol Hill as the proceedings evolve. The wish list for Democrats features a number of other political figures — including Bolton — who may opt for Kupperman’s tactic of refusing to cooperate pending court action. Both Kupperman and Bolton share the same counsel, Charles Cooper, who declined to comment on whether Bolton will adopt the same strategy when asked to testify. Trump’s Republican allies, who have long accused Democrats of conducting a closed-door “witch hunt,” cheered Kupperman’s strategy, framing it as the proper way to resolve the standoff ... Link to the full article to read more