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Both Tim Morrison, the outgoing senior director of European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, and Kurt Volker, the former special envoy to Ukraine, said they had not seen evidence of quid pro quo, bribery, or treason, in response to questions by GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Republican Congressman Brad Wenstrup criticized the intelligence community and disputed the widely accepted conclusion by American intelligence that Russia -- not Ukraine -- interfered in the 2016 presidential election. The Ohio representative said that members of the intel community were some of the same people who were involved in the "Russia collusion hoax" at the heart of a special counsel investigation.
Committee members continued their five-minute rounds of questioning, which they could yield to colleagues. They posed questions to Kurt Volker, the former special envoy to Ukraine, and Tim Morrison, the outgoing senior director of European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council and a deputy assistant to the president.
Tim Morrison, the outgoing senior director of European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, testified that he didn't always follow through on suggestions from EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland. He said his predecessor, Fiona Hill, had described Sondland's role the "Gordon problem."
Republican counsel Steve Castor asked Tim Morrison -- the outgoing senior director of European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council -- about concerns within the NSC about Alexander Vindman's judgment. He asked Morrison about concerns his predecessor, Fiona Hill, might have had, but Morrison's lawyer said the question was outside the scope of his testimony. Morrison did reference his earlier testimony, in which he said others had raised concerns about Vindman potentially leaking information, something Vindman denied earlier Tuesday.
Tim Morrison, the outgoing senior director of European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, said "no" when asked by the Republican counsel whether he heard anything that concerned him during President Trump's July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky. He also said he viewed the summary of the call, later released by the White House, as complete and accurate.
Tim Morrison, the outgoing senior director of European and Russian affairs at the National Security Council, said NSC legal counsel John Eisenberg told him the summary of the president's July 25 call had been placed in a highly secure server. Morrison said Eisenberg told him that the placement was an "administrative error" and a "mistake."
In his closed-door testimony, Kurt Volker, the former special envoy to Ukraine, said "investigations" weren't discussed at a contentious July 10 meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, replying "no" to a question about whether they came up. But his opening statement at public hearings Tuesday, Volker revised that account, and said they had been raised, corroborating the accounts of other participants.
Highlights and analysis of the impeachment inquiry against President Trump
The first public hearings as part of the impeachment inquiry were conducted in front of the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday. Committee member Congressman Eric Swalwell speaks to "Red & Blue" about his questioning.
CBS News White House correspondent Ben Tracy, CBS News intelligence reporter Olivia Gazis, Politico White House correspondent Anita Kumar, Washington Post reporter Eugene Scott and CBSN legal analyst Rikki Kleiman join "Red &Blue" to talk about the historic day on Capitol Hill.
Career diplomats took center stage as public impeachment hearings got underway into President Trump's dealings with Ukraine. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent and Ambassador William Taylor answered questions in front of lawmakers. New York Times diplomatic correspondent Lara Jakes joined CBSN to discuss their testimony.
Both Republicans and Democrats are claiming victory after the first public hearing in the impeachment inquiry Wednesday. CBSN political reporter Caitlin Huey-Burns and CBSN legal contributor Keir Dougall spoke to CBSN's "Red & Blue" about their observations from the hearing.
Democrats and Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee took turns lobbing questions at the first two witnesses in the impeachment hearings: William Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine, and George Kent, the deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs. Republicans continued to blast the process, while Democrats pressed for answers about the conduct of President Trump, Rudy Giuliani and their allies.
As House Intelligence Committee members took turns questioning William Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine, and State Department official George Kent, several Republican members forcefully denounced the impeachment inquiry. Watch this portion of Wednesday's public hearing.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, asked the two witnesses at Wednesday's impeachment hearing whether they consider themselves "Never Trumpers," as President Trump has alleged. Watch the responses from Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent and William Taylor, the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine.
In open congressional testimony, Kent said he though Giuliani's attempts "to gin up politically motivated investigations" were "infecting" U.S.-Ukraine relations
Questioned by Democratic counsel Wednesday, George Kent, deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, testified there is "no factual basis" for allegations that Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election, something that has been floated by Trump allies. The U.S. intelligence community concluded it was Russia that interfered in the election.
State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary George Kent described on Wednesday his credentials and commitment to advancing U.S. interests and freedom in Ukraine. He then detailed what he saw as an attempt to contradict or undermine the national interest, and specifically to undermine then-Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. Watch his opening statement in the first public impeachment hearing.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff and counsel Daniel Goldman spent 45 minutes questioning the top U.S. diplomat in Ukraine, William Taylor, and State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary George Kent in the first day of public impeachment hearings. Watch this full portion of the hearing.
The impeachment inquiry against President Trump enters a new phase
From Veterans Day to the first public hearing in Congress' impeachment inquiry into President Trump, "Sunday Morning" takes a look at some notable events of the week ahead
The House Intelligence Committee has released the transcript from the impeachment inquiry testimony of state department official George Kent. Jeff Mason, a White House correspondent for Reuters, Jennifer Haberkorn, who covers Congress for the Los Angeles Times, and Eugene Scott, who covers politics for the Washington Post, spoke to CBSN's Elaine Quijano about what was learned from Kent’s testimony.
The House has released the testimony of State Department official George Kent, who testified before the joint House committees conducting the impeachment inquiry on October 15. CBSN political contributor and Associated Press White House reporter Zeke Miller joins CBSN with the latest.
George Kent told lawmakers the accusations against Marie Yovanovitch were "without basis, untrue, period"
Two women testified before the House Ethics Committee that Matt Gaetz paid them "for sex," their lawyer told CBS News' Major Garrett.
A judge has struck down Wyoming's overall ban on abortion and its first-in-the nation explicit prohibition on the use of medication to end pregnancy.
The families of eight school shooting victims opened their doors to Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp, allowing them to document their children's bedrooms.
Over the last year, the number of school districts in Ohio that allow staff to be armed quadrupled, with 14% of the state's districts now participating.
Paul Teal's fiancée and fellow "One Tree Hill" actors shared tribute posts memorializing him.
E. coli outbreaks in food are making headlines, prompting questions about how to stay safe from the bacteria that can cause sickness.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom decided to defer the Menendez brothers' clemency decision to incoming District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Stop & Shop stores across Massachusetts had empty shelves on Monday due to a cyberattack.
Ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov fell from a fifth-floor balcony after taking painkillers ahead of back surgery, Russian media reported.
A judge has struck down Wyoming's overall ban on abortion and its first-in-the nation explicit prohibition on the use of medication to end pregnancy.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom decided to defer the Menendez brothers' clemency decision to incoming District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
Over the last year, the number of school districts in Ohio that allow staff to be armed quadrupled, with 14% of the state's districts now participating.
Paul Teal's fiancée and fellow "One Tree Hill" actors shared tribute posts memorializing him.
Spirit's bankruptcy filing will likely mean higher airfares across airlines as it trims schedule, according to experts.
"Inside the NBA" will continue on other networks, even though will no longer be airing on TNT at the end of this season.
Stop & Shop stores across Massachusetts had empty shelves on Monday due to a cyberattack.
Spirit's bankruptcy filing will likely mean higher airfares across airlines as it trims schedule, according to experts.
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.
Canada's Bestar recalled wall beds only after learning of dozens of cases in which its beds detached from the walls, feds say.
President-elect Donald Trump says former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy is his choice for transportation secretary as he continues to roll out picks for his Cabinet.
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.
President-elect Donald Trump announced he selected former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as attorney general.
Two women testified before the House Ethics Committee that Matt Gaetz paid them "for sex," their lawyer told CBS News' Major Garrett.
Kennedy insists he is not "anti-vaccine," but he has a long record of false and misleading statements about their safety and benefits. What could he do as Trump's HHS secretary?
Robert F. Kennedy's Jr. push to remove fluoride from the nation's public water supply could benefit some companies. Here's why.
Kennedy insists he is not "anti-vaccine," but he has a long record of false and misleading statements about their safety and benefits. What could he do as Trump's HHS secretary?
Canada's Bestar recalled wall beds only after learning of dozens of cases in which its beds detached from the walls, feds say.
E. coli outbreaks in food are making headlines, prompting questions about how to stay safe from the bacteria that can cause sickness.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's Disease. But some with Parkinson's are finding that an unusual therapy – rock climbing – is helping them improve their balance, mobility, strength and cognition.
Ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov fell from a fifth-floor balcony after taking painkillers ahead of back surgery, Russian media reported.
Air pollution chokes New Delhi every winter, but this year's smog has already derailed everything from transport and road work to schools.
The sister of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, an American activist killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, says her idealistic vision of the U.S. has been shattered.
A Russian lawmaker calls President Biden's decision to let Ukraine fire U.S. missiles deep into Russia a "very big step toward the beginning" of a third world war.
Bernadett "Betty" Szabo, 19, was stabbed multiple times just months after giving birth to a baby boy.
Paul Teal's fiancée and fellow "One Tree Hill" actors shared tribute posts memorializing him.
"Inside the NBA" will continue on other networks, even though will no longer be airing on TNT at the end of this season.
The stars of Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II" discuss the film's legacy and stepping back into the world of ancient Rome.
The much-hyped fight pitting the 58-year-old Tyson against Paul, 27, shattered records but was marred by tech glitches.
Ridley Scott's latest masterpiece revisits the world of ancient Rome with new characters and intense drama. The cast of "Gladiator II" talks to Nate Burleson on working with Scott and carrying forward the spirit of the iconic original.
As climate change intensifies, the race for a more eco-friendly car has revved up. Itay Hod reports on the newest twist on travel.
In an online conversation about aging adults, Google's Gemini AI chatbot responded with a threatening message, telling the user to "please die."
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
On Wednesday, a judge allowed a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit to move forward that accuses Meta of creating an illegal monopoly with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains.
The Guardian says benefits of being on Elon Musk's social media platform X are outweighed by its "often disturbing content."
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to "drill, baby, drill" on Day 1 in office. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter joins to take a closer look at the environmental impact of some of Trump's potential energy and climate policies.
2024 is on pace to be the hottest year on record worldwide. CBS News Los Angeles meteorologist and climatologist Marina Jurica reports that extreme weather events cost the global economy over $2 trillion in the last 10 years.
Scientists say they've discovered a "mega coral" three times bigger than the previous record holder - so huge they initially thought it was a shipwreck.
Seal-shaped boards decked with bright horizontal lights were less likely to be attacked by great white sharks, researchers found.
Oil and natural gas companies will have to pay a federal fee if they emit methane above certain levels under a rule being finalized by the Biden administration that incoming Trump officials are likely to reverse.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom decided to defer the Menendez brothers' clemency decision to incoming District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
CBS News has learned the case against the man accused of killing a University of Georgia nursing student could be in the hands of the judge as early as Tuesday. Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela, has pleaded not guilty to killing 22-year-old Laken Riley while she was jogging on campus in February. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez has the latest from Athens, Georgia.
Officials say 13 people were shot during two incidents along a New Orleans "second line" parade route. CBS News' Kati Weis breaks down what's known.
Jose Ibarra's trial for the murder of Laken Riley, a student at Georgia's Augusta University College of Nursing, continues as Ibarra's family members are expected to testify on his behalf. CBS News contributor Caroline Polisi breaks down the latest in the case.
Two people were killed in two separate shootings along a New Orleans parade route Sunday night. No arrests have been made so far. CBS News national reporter Kati Weis has more.
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
With an Election Day docking, the cargo ship delivered 3 tons of supplies and equipment, including an unusual wooden satellite.
Two sister meteor showers are already flashing across night skies — and will peak a week apart.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to "drill, baby, drill" on Day 1 in office. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter joins to take a closer look at the environmental impact of some of Trump's potential energy and climate policies.
There are signs of progress on at least one front of the conflict in the Middle East. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Elizabeth Palmer has the latest on reports of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Americans are bracing for President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariff hikes on imported goods. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady looks at the potential economic impact. Then, small business owner Andy Gossett joins to discuss what the tariffs would mean for his outdoor sporting goods company.
At least two of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks are involved in controversy. Now there are questions about whether Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth have the support to get confirmed for their intended roles. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has new reporting.
Spirit Airlines is filing for bankruptcy ahead of the busy holiday travel season. The budget airline has faced multiple setbacks recently, including rising labor costs and a failed merger with JetBlue. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave has more on what this means for travelers.