Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee now have another week to consider legislation designed to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller in case President Trump tries to fire him without good cause.
The bill was expected to be punted. Under committee rules any one member can request that a bill be delayed for a week, and several senators on the panel have concerns about the legislation.
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[Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA)] tried to add it to the committee's agenda last week, which would have meant a vote as late as this Thursday.
Under committee rules, he would need Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to sign off if he wanted to add the bill to the agenda within 72 hours of a meeting.
But Democrats on the panel objected, noting they had yet to see an amendment from Grassley amid concerns that Republicans could try to weaken the special counsel bill.
Grassley said last week that his amendment would increase reporting to Congress, including any administration plans to fire Mueller or any other special counsel.
Though he has yet to say if he will vote for the bill, it's expected to have enough support to clear the committee.
However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says no matter what happens in committee, he will not allow the full Senate to vote on the legislation.
"I'm the one who decides what we take to the floor, that's my responsibility as the majority leader, and we will not be having this on the floor of the Senate," he said.
McConnell has argued for months that he doesn't believe legislation protecting the special counsel is necessary. He has said he doesn't believe President Trump will fire Mueller, despite Trump's public comments and reported attempts to do so.
Senate panel punts Mueller protection bill to next week (The Hill)