Jack Smith Asks for Three Weeks
Jack Smith just requested and got a consent motion to file a status report “or otherwise inform” Judge Tanya Chutkan of what they’re going to do with the January 6 case.
As a result of the election held on November 5, 2024, the defendant is expected to be certified as President-elect on January 6, 2025, and inaugurated on January 20, 2025. The Government respectfully requests that the Court vacate the remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to afford the Government time to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy. By December 2, 2024, the Government will file a status report or otherwise inform the Court of the result of its deliberations. The Government has consulted with defense counsel, who do not object to this request.
If that “otherwise inform” is a report, it would be done in plenty of time for Dick Durbin to hold a hearing.
How likely is it that Durbin will hold a hearing? Or that the news media will cover it accurately and fairly? Seems to me to be a very weak reed although it might do some good if it happened.
Right now, there’s a continuing resolution that funds everything until Dec 20, so everyone will be coming back to DC shortly to deal with the FY 25 budget. While those negotiations are going on, Durbin could use his post as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee to look at whatever Smith might provide.
How likely is it? I suspect it depends on how much Trump behaves like an king over the next couple of weeks. The more Trump acts like a king, the higher the likelihood of a hearing. The Democrats are still in control of the Senate until (IIRC) Jan 4, 2025, so that’s the deadline Durbin is facing.
Go Dick!
Now there’s a hopeful thought.
Deep appreciation for this site.
Narrator voice: Dick Durbin declined to hold that hearing.