Thread by @mikememoli

It begins

Waiting for each member of the Judiciary Committee at their seats on the dais is a binder with printed copies of the Mueller report.

Judiciary Chairman @RepJerryNadler in his prepared opening statement, addressing Mueller: “You made clear that he is not exonerated. Any other person who acted this way would have been charged with a crime. ... We have a responsibility to address the evidence you have uncovered”

Mueller is sworn in

Mueller describes his team's work. "We acted quietly, thoroughly and with integrity."

His directive to team was to work "as thoroughly as possible and as expeditiously as possible." The probe was not to last "a day longer than was necessary."

Mueller: "We did not address collusion, which is not a legal term. Rather, we focused on whether the evidence was sufficient to charge any member of the campaign with taking part in a criminal conspiracy. It was not."

Mueller on OBSTRUCTION: "Based on Justice Department policy and principles of fairness, we decided we would not make a determination as to whether the President committed a crime. That was our decision then and it remains our decision today."

Mueller lays down what he WON'T discuss: "I am unable to address questions about the opening of the FBI’s Russia investigation, which occurred months before my appointment, or matters related to the so-called Steele Dossier. These matters are the subject of ongoing review" by DOJ

Mueller: "I also will not comment on the actions of the Attorney General or of Congress. I was appointed as a prosecutor, and I intend to adhere to that role and to the Department’s standards that govern it."

Mueller introduces Aaron Zebley, who "was responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the investigations conducted by our Office."

Mueller closes: "Over the course of my career, I've seen a number of challenges to our democracy. The Russian government’s effort to interfere in our election is among the most serious. As I said on May 29, this deserves the attention of every American."

Nadler asks Mueller about whether his report exonerates Trump, as the president as said:

Mueller: "Correct, that is not what the report said."

NADLER: "Did you totally exonerate the President?"

MUELLER: "No."

Nadler is ticking quickly through a number of key questions, eliciting simple and direct one-word answers from Mueller

COLLINS: At any point during the investigation was it hindered or stopped?

MUELLER: No.

Collins is one of the fastest talkers in Congress. As he also quickly ticks through questions, Mueller asks him to repeat himself.

Mueller first says collusion and conspiracy are NOT synonymous. Collins points to a specific section of the report which he says states they are. Mueller backtracks, says he will stand with what is in report.

On Dem side, Nadler began with topline findings of the report and Trump's refusal to be interviewed. Now @RepZoeLofgren going through Volume 1 - contacts btw Trump campaign and Russians

@RepZoeLofgren . @RepRatcliffe, a former U.S. attorney questioning why Mueller spent 180 pages discussing crimes that were not charged. "You did not follow the special counsel regulations."

@RepZoeLofgren @RepRatcliffe Ratcliffe refers to "Democrats and socialists on the other side" doing dramatic readings of report.

@RepZoeLofgren @RepRatcliffe House Financial Services Committee Chair @RepMaxineWaters has stepped inside the Judiciary hearing room