Panel Holds Two Bush Aides in Contempt

Source: N.Y. Times


WASHINGTON, July 25 — The House Judiciary Committee voted today to seek contempt of Congress citations against a top aide to President Bush and a former presidential aide over their refusal to cooperate in an inquiry about the firing of federal prosecutors.

The 22-to-17 vote along party lines escalates the battle between the administration and Congressional Democrats over the dismissals of nine United States attorneys last year, an episode that Democrats say needs airing but that many Republicans say is much ado about nothing.

“It’s not a step that, as chairman, I take easily or lightly,” the head of the panel, Representative John D. Conyers, Democrat of Michigan, said before the committee voted to cite Joshua B. Bolten, the president’s chief of staff, and Harriet E. Miers, the former White House counsel.

To take effect, the Judiciary Committee’s recommendation must be voted upon by the full House, where Democrats have a 231-to-201 edge, with 3 vacancies. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not said whether she would seek House action before the lawmakers recess in early August, or allow the issue to simmer until the House reconvenes after Labor Day.

SNIP



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/25/washington/25cnd-contempt.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

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If the full House votes for contempt citations against Miers and Bolten, the next likely move would normally be to communicate with the U.S. Attorney for D.C. -- unfortunately, a Bush appointee.

The White House stated recently that Congress has no power to make a U.S.attorney push for prosecution, or convene a grand jury -- because the refusals to testify were motivated by executive privilege.

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Pardoning people to cover your own ass? That'll get him down to around 18% approval.

n/t

Or something like it?

with is grounds for impeachment. Ordering the courts not to pursue the contempt charges is, too. I hope they vote on this NOW and lock the m*therf*ckers up in the basement for the recess as they have hinted! :bounce: