At least a dozen House Republicans attempted to enter the closed impeachment hearings this morning, where Laura Cooper, deputy assistant of secretary of defense, was scheduled to testify. Her testimony was delayed as police were forced to conduct a security sweep after it was reported the Republicans took pictures inside the hearing.
The group alleges they are being closed out, but there are Republicans present at every meeting who are able to ask questions.
A full House vote authorizing an impeachment inquiry would likely allow Republicans to call their own witnesses, but any subpoenas they attempt to issue could be vetoed by Democrats.
House Intelligence Committee member Jim Himes (D-Conn.) explained earlier this month that the depositions are private to protect classified information and prevent Trump allies who are being questioned from coordinating their testimonies. He added that witness transcripts will eventually be scrubbed and released to the public.