"The only times I prevented witnesses from answering questions" in prior closed-door hearings "was when it was apparent that members were seeking to out the whistleblower," Schiff responded.
"We will do everything necessary to protect the whistleblower’s identity, and I’m disturbed to hear members of the committee who have in the past voiced strong support for whistleblower protections, seek to undermine those protections by outing the whistleblower," he added.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, an aggressive defender of Trump, then chimed in.
"You are the only member who knows who that individual is," Jordan said, referring to the whistleblower, "and your staff is the only staff of any member of Congress who has had a chance to talk with that individual. We would like that opportunity. When might that happen in this proceeding today?" ...
Schiff shot back: "First, as the gentlemen knows, that’s a false statement. I do not know the identity of the whistleblower and I’m determined to make sure the identity is protected."
But, the chairman added, "you’ll have an opportunity after the witnesses have testified to make a motion to subpoena any witness and compel a vote."