Cohen to testify before three congressional panels before going to prison

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen will testify before three congressional committees before he goes to prison on March 6, his lawyer confirmed Wednesday.

“Cohen committed to all three committees that he would voluntarily testify before the end of the month,” Cohen’s attorney Lanny Davis said in a statement released Tuesday night.

CNBC first reported Wednesday that Cohen will testify before the House Oversight and Reform, Senate Intelligence and House Intelligence committees. Only his testimony from the Oversight and Reform Committee will be made public. 

{mosads}Last year, Cohen pleaded guilty to bank fraud, tax fraud, campaign finance law violations and making misstatements to Congress. He has been cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russia’s election interference and allegations that the president or his staff colluded with Russia during the 2016 election.

Cohen will not answer questions regarding Mueller’s investigation, Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) said in a letter to Cohen’s lawyer last month. Cohen will instead discuss “personal anecdotes” about working with President Trump and his “experiences” after Trump became president.

Cohen was supposed to testify before Congress this week, but told lawmakers he could not for medical reasons.

“I can assure you that any goodwill that might have existed in the committee with Michael Cohen is now gone,” Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.), told reporters Tuesday after the cancellation.

“He’s already stiffed us on being in Washington today because of an illness,” Burr added. “Yet on Twitter, a reporter reported he was having a wild night Saturday night eating out in New York with five buddies, didn’t seem to have any physical limitations. And he was out with his wife last night.”

Cohen’s attorney defended his medical reasons in a statement on Tuesday night.

“Despite Senator Burr’s inaccurate comment, Mr. Cohen was expected to and continues to suffer from severe post shoulder surgery pain,” Davis said. “The medication Mr. Cohen is currently taking made it impossible for him to testify this week.

“We believe Senator Burr should appreciate that it is possible for Mr. Cohen to be in pain and still have dinner in a restaurant with his wife and friends.”

-Morgan Chalfant contributed to this report which was updated at 3 p.m.