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Democrats press to subpoena Jack Smith; Republicans propose reforms instead

Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution · April 21, 2026

Summary

Democrats on the panel repeatedly asked for special counsel Jack Smith to testify under oath. Republicans defended the decision to call Jeffrey Clark and other witnesses, said committee documents support oversight, and proposed statutory limits on special counsel appointments and FBI investigatory powers.

Democratic members of the subcommittee said repeatedly that the most direct way to resolve disputes over Arctic Frost is to call special counsel Jack Smith and put him under oath. "I believe he should be here and should tell his version of the story under oath," Senator Durbin said.

Republican members argued the committee had obtained documents that warranted public examination and proposed reforms including statutory clarification of special-counsel appointment authority and requiring Senate confirmation for such appointments. Dr. Dan Epstein urged statutory reform, saying that special counsel appointments "must require Senate confirmation" and that FBI investigative powers targeting political figures should face meaningful internal constraints.

The panel did not vote on subpoenas during the hearing; written questions and follow-up submissions were scheduled by the chairman.

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