The Bush Spying Program Under Fire: Senators Vote to Subpoena Documents

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to issue subpoenas for any documents related to the Bush administration's domestic spying program--including any legal opinions and advice that the administration may have received. Democrats on the committee were joined in the vote by Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

The Center on Democracy & Technology has released a list of the seven "most wanted surveillance documents," including:

* A memo prepared by former Deputy Attorney General James Comey and sent to the White House shortly after March 10, 2004, explaining why the Justice Department would not certify the surveillance program as lawful.

* A memo from then-White House counsel Alberto Gonzales in response, reacting to the Justice Department decision not to certify the domestic spying program.

* Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court orders on January 10, 2007, authorizing the program--which the Administration now calls the Terrorist Surveillance Program.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has made at least nine formal requests for the documents, without an answer from the Justice Department. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chair of the committee, said today:

"Why has this Administration been so steadfast in its refusal? Deputy Attorney General Comey’s account suggests that some of these documents would reveal an Administration perfectly willing to ignore the law. Is that what they are hiding?"

Comments (4) «

Isn't this like the firing of Federal Attorneys? If Gonzolas doesn't cooperate then what can we do, and can't Bush just pardon them? We need for Bush to say pubably that he won't parden them, then if he does it will hurt the Republicans.

1

freeforall on June 21, 2007 at 05:01 PM

Posted by freeforall on June 21, 2007 at 05:01 PM

The first step to stopping a crime is proving that a crime occurred. I agree with your feelings--I'm horrified that anyone would think of pardoning Scooter Libby. But he was convicted of obstruction of justice. That's one of the problems here. The truth is obscured, and the subpoena may help shed some light on Justice Department practices.

2

Stephanie on June 21, 2007 at 05:24 PM

I think if Gonzales keep stonewalling, the next thing SHOULD BE a contempt of Congress citation.
Drag him and the Bushiato through the media a few times by the napes of their necks. The media can't blow reality off forever.
It sounds as though three Republicans have smelled the coffee. I'll bet that there will be more Republicans waking up and disassociating themselves from the Bushies at election time draws closer.
INVESTIGATE!!! IMPEACH!!! INDICT!!! HOOOOAH!!!!!

3

Butte on June 21, 2007 at 05:38 PM

there's a short answer to that one

4

BamaSlama on June 28, 2007 at 10:46 AM

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