In a recent development, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has declined to testify about his prosecution of former President Donald Trump to House lawmakers next week. Bragg's general counsel, Leslie Dubeck, cited "scheduling conflicts" that will prevent his appearance before Congress. However, Dubeck did express the possibility of future cooperation with the committee.

Dubeck, in a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, conveyed the office's commitment to voluntary cooperation. It included making the District Attorney available for testimony on behalf of the Office at an agreed-upon date. However, the proposed date selected by the Subcommittee posed various scheduling conflicts for the office.

House Republicans sought to have Bragg provide answers regarding his prosecution of Trump on June 13. Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records brought by the Manhattan District Attorney. Trump vehemently denies the charges and has referred to the prosecution as a politically motivated "witch hunt" orchestrated by President Biden and the Democrats to harm his presidential campaign. Both Biden and Bragg have denied these allegations.

Dubeck, in the letter, criticized the Judiciary Committee's invitation for Bragg's testimony, stating that the scope of the proposed testimony remains unclear. Additionally, Dubeck mentioned that upcoming sentencing hearings for Trump on July 11, along with ongoing proceedings in trial and appellate courts, may hinder Bragg's ability to testify.

Dubeck expressed concern that participating in a public hearing at this time could potentially jeopardize their ongoing efforts. As a result, Dubeck requested the committee to negotiate a new hearing date with Bragg's office and provide clarity on the specific subjects Republicans want Bragg to address in his testimony.

Earlier this week, Jordan had proposed an appropriations package aiming to defund the lawfare activities of state and federal prosecutors involved in politically sensitive investigations. He specifically mentioned Special Counsel Jack Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Besides his criminal conviction in New York, Trump is awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on his immunity from charges in the January 6 investigation led by Smith. He is also anticipating trial dates for charges related to Smith's classified records case and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' charges in Georgia.

The development surrounding Bragg's non-appearance before House lawmakers adds another layer to the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump's prosecutions. Further updates are anticipated as negotiations for a new hearing date take place between Bragg's office and the Judiciary Committee.