WATCH LIVE: House Judiciary Committee opens hearing with empty chair in place of absent Barr

The House Judiciary Committee convened for a hearing with an empty chair in place of Attorney General William Barr.

The attorney general decided Wednesday he would not testify before the panel after appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, complaining that House Democrats intended to have committee lawyers ask him questions.

"The Committee will convene at 9:00 tomorrow morning, as planned," said committee chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY. "My colleagues will be present. I hope and expect that Attorney General Barr will be there as well.”