In a new Congress, one of the most important jobs will be one you’ve never heard of: House general counsel

Democrats expected to run the House in the 120th Congress face a hiring decision that could shape their whole investigative push: who will serve as House general counsel. Incoming Speaker Hakeem Jeffries will choose this nonpartisan lawyer, who advises members and committees and handles any litigation involving the chamber. Rep. Robert Garcia, the likely Oversight Committee chair, hinted at the stakes by posting "LAWYER UP" on X, aimed at possible investigative targets, according to MS NOW.

MS NOW reports that experts expect the Trump White House to resist, so the House may have to sue to enforce subpoenas. A former senior Justice Department official, speaking anonymously, wants a seasoned appellate litigator because cases could reach the Supreme Court. Another lawyer familiar with the search stressed political and communications skill. Timothy Heaphy, a former chief investigative counsel for the House Jan. 6 committee, said past administrations traded concessions with Congress, but this role may now demand litigation over negotiation. He noted that candidate lists are circulating, including prosecutors pushed out of the Justice Department.

Executive privilege looks like the central battleground. In August, the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel concluded that the privilege can cover confidential talks with outside advisers tied to presidential decisions.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →