THREAD

Keep a close eye on Capitol Hill this week.

Congress will be focused on America& #39;s civil rights legacy, AG Barr& #39;s politicization of the Justice Department, Trump& #39;s distortion of the census, & DHS actions in Portland.

Here& #39;s a preview: /1

On Monday, the body of civil rights icon John Lewis will lie in state at the US Capitol.

The arrival ceremony will be private, but then there will be a public viewing.

For background, a great @EJDionne tribute: /2 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/19/tribute-john-lewis-his-own-words/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/...

On Tuesday at 10 am, the House Judiciary Committee will--finally--question Attorney General Barr.

So much to cover: Flynn, Stone, Berman & more.

For background, here are questions for Barr from @rgoodlaw @AshaRangappa_ & me via @just_security: /3 https://www.justsecurity.org/68699/three-dozen-questions-for-congress-and-the-news-media-to-ask-attorney-general-barr/">https://www.justsecurity.org/68699/thr...

On Wed. at 10 am, the House Oversight & Reform Committee will hold a hearing on Trump& #39;s unconstitutional new census memo.

Trump& #39;s memo is in direct conflict with the Constitution, & this hearing should make clear the memo& #39;s absurdity.

Background here: /4 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/21/us/politics/trump-immigrants-census-redistricting.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/2...

On Fri. at 10 am, the House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing on how "DHS Police Actions Endanger our Democracy."

It& #39;ll focus on Portland & Trump& #39;s attempt to expand his thuggery elsewhere.

Essential background by @JoyceWhiteVance: /5 https://time.com/5871294/donald-trump-portland-intervention/">https://time.com/5871294/d...

Bottom line: Congress is spending the week on the issues roiling America right now.

We need this reflection & oversight--desperately.

Now it& #39;s up to Congress to use these moments to play an essential part in reining in an out-of-control President. / END