James Comey and his lawyers argued in a federal courtroom Wednesday that the two-count indictment against the former FBI director should be dismissed on grounds that it's based on a "vindictive and selective" prosecution. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has more.

Washington

A federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, heard arguments regarding the dismissal of charges against former FBI Director James Comey, who faces allegations of making false statements to Congress and obstruction of justice. Comey's defense argued the prosecution was politically motivated, citing public statements by President Trump, while the Department of Justice denied these claims.

During the hearing, the judge expressed concern over grand jury procedures, after the Justice Department admitted the final charging document was not reviewed by the full grand jury. The judge has not yet ruled on the motions, and a decision is expected within days or weeks.

Justice Department says full grand jury never saw final Comey indictment

All right, former FBI Director James Comey and his lawyers in a federal courtroom today in Alexandria, Virginia, arguing that those charges be tossed. Their argument is this. The charges, they say, are based on vindictive and selective prosecution. Comey faces federal charges of false statements to Congress and obstruction of justice. CBS News Justice Correspondent Scott McFarlane joins us now from Washington. Okay, so what are you learning from the hearing? The judge didn't make a decision, did not make a decision as to whether to dismiss this case today, Reid. But the judge took under advisement a whole series of arguments and raised a red flag of his own. First, the arguments he heard today over whether this was a vindictive, selective prosecution and should be dismissed accordingly. James Comey's defense team in court filings before today and then again in court in Virginia today argued that the motivation for this prosecution is not a violation of the law, but that James Comey is a critic and has been a vocal critic of President Trump and that this is a politically motivated, vindictive prosecution to silence not only Comey, but silence other criticism of the president. They pointed today to that September social media post from President Trump on that Truth Social platform in which he said to Pam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, that he'd like to see prosecutions of, among other people, James Comey. The Department of Justice countered that argument, saying there's not evidence of a vindictive prosecution. This could be grounds for dismissal, just not going to happen today. The judge will take some time to review the matter. But the judge also had some concerns outside of that argument. The judge is increasingly expressing concern about what happened in the grand jury room when the grand jury handed up this two count indictment of false statements against James Comey. The judge said the record seems to indicate there were two different charging documents in this case, one of which had a count that was disapproved by the grand jury, one of which didn't. After questioning from the judge today, the Department of Justice acknowledged that second charging document, the one that eliminated the first count, never went to the full grand jury for review. The defense pounced on that, saying that could be reason for dismissal. You can't have indictments that don't have the grand jury laying eyes on them. Judge didn't rule on that either. But Reid, that's an enormous issue, potentially plaguing fatally this case. Wow. OK, so any word, Scott, on when a ruling could happen on either of those points? Oh, wouldn't we love to know. We love to ask that question. In the legal system, in the judicial system, it happens when it happens. And respectfully, in this case, there's so many different variables, so many different arguments. We're not sure when any of these rulings are coming down. But the defense has a right to a speedy trial and expediency in his case. We don't expect this to take months, but it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. All right. So we'll cue the word forthcoming. Scott McFarland, thank you so much. Always good to talk to you.

U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized a plan for the CIA in Venezuela, according to a New York Times report. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more details.

Trump authorizes plans for CIA covert operation in Venezuela: report

An Israeli strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon killed 13 people and wounded several others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Wednesday. The Israeli military said it struck Hamas militants who it said were operating in a training compound there.

Beirut

Middle East Conflict

Israeli strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon kills 13

The Epstein files bill is expected to reach President Donald Trump's desk for his signature on Wednesday (November 19). CBS News' Taurean Small reports.

Trump set to sign bill to release Epstein files

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San Francisco

Microsoft, Nvidia to invest up to $15 billion in Anthropic

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New York

UN Security Council vote: Hamas rejects Gaza 'peace resolution'

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The House has approved a bill that would require the Justice Department to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bill, which received bipartisan support, now awaits consideration in the Senate.

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Johannesburg

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Jerusalem

Tensions escalate as U.N. Security Council backs Trump's plan for Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump will host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, his first visit since Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in 2018. The crown prince has denied any involvement.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visiting White House

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London

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Virginia

DOJ accused of 'profound investigative missteps' in Comey case

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U.N. Security Council adopts U.S. resolution on Gaza plan

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President Trump now says Republicans should vote to release all of the files related to the federal investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Nikole Killion have the latest on what could happen next.

Trump's Epstein files reversal comes amid pressure from allies

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called an explosion on a railway line “an unprecedented act of sabotage.” Donald Tusk did not say who he believed had carried out the attack, but a government minister said "foreign intelligence agencies" were responsible.

Warsaw

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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed a landmark deal in Paris on Monday to buy 100 Rafale jets, drones, and air defense systems from France.

Paris

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The Federal Aviation Administration ended mandated cuts in domestic flights at 40 major U.S. airports, easing restrictions that had been imposed over air traffic control concerns during the federal shutdown.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to oppose any attempt to establish a Palestinian state, a day before the UN Security Council will vote on a U.S.-drafted resolution on Gaza that leaves the door open to Palestinian independence.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

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A Bangladesh court sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity on Monday (November 17), concluding a months-long trial that found her guilty of ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year.

Dhaka

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President Donald Trump now appears to support the release of all Jeffrey Epstein files as the House of Representatives readies for a vote on the matter. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.

House vote on Epstein files expected Tuesday

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Charlotte

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro slammed planned joint military exercises by the United States and its ally Trinidad and Tobago as "irresponsible," with Washington increasing its armed presence in the Caribbean.

Caracas

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Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated attempts to kill the effort to release federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein, House Republican leaders are planning to hold a vote this week on legislation to force the issue.

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