Thinkprogress:
After months of ignoring congressional subpoenas to testify, Karl Rove and Harriet Miers have apparently agreed to discuss the firing of nine U.S. Attorneys with the House Judiciary Committee, the Committee announced this evening. Rove and Miers will submit transcribed depositions under penalty of perjury, and the Committee has reserved the right to have public testimony from the two former Bush aides. The agreement also states that invocations of official privileges must be significantly limited. Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) made the following statement:
I have long said that I would see this matter through to the end and am encouraged that we have finally broken through the Bush Administration’s claims of absolute immunity. This is a victory for the separation of powers and congressional oversight. It is also a vindication of the search for truth. I am determined to have it known whether U.S. Attorneys in the Department of Justice were fired for political reasons, and if so, by whom.
In addition, Conyers add this on the HJC website:
In addition, if the committee uncovers information necessitating his testimony, the committee will also have the right to depose William Kelley, a former White House lawyer who played a role in the U.S. attorney firings.
The committee will also receive Bush White House documents relevant to this inquiry. Under the agreement, the landmark ruling by Judge John Bates rejecting key Bush White House claims of executive immunity and privilege will be preserved. If the agreement is breached, the committee can resume the litigation.
3 comments:
I'll still believe it when I see it...oh that's right I won't see it cause piglet gets to do his lying behind closed doors. He's a special criminal...darn I wanted to hear all those "I don't recall" "I'm not sure" "I'm taking the 5th"
It's bullshit that Rove Porkfat doesn't have to testify so the public can witness his lying ass. Shame on Obama and Congress for not doing more or continuing the corrupt ways of Bush and Cheney. No wonder this country is in sorry shape, the connected and rich aren't held accountable. Another era in history glossed over, covered-up. No wonder we are so dumbed down and allow this to continue.
Anon:
I understand that a lot of us are frustrated over the fact that Rove has thumbed his nose to the justice system. As far as Obama is concerned, keep in mind that Bush gave Rove executive privilege for USA firing testimony and Siegelman testimony. The Obama Administration played a big role in bringing about the agreement between Congress and Rove.
White House confirmed that “lawyers from the White House counsel’s office played an active role in moving the parties toward the accommodation,” while Bush’s office said it had reached the deal “at the urging of the Obama administration.” In other words, he requested both Congress and Rove to come to compromise and the Administration was not going to interfere. Also, Obama Administration didn't warrant Rove's executive privilege claim since Congress subpoenaed Rove under the new Administration. The other two subpoenas were under Bush.
But, Congress has the power to hold Rove, Miers, and Bolten in contempt. They know that. So, this is not an Obama problem. It is Congress problem. Rove, Miers and others should be treated as any citizen that has to abide by the law. But, I agree that Rove is making Congress look like idiots. But, I do know, according to Jason Leopold, that Conyers is determined to nail Rove and this is personal to Conyers.
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