TPM: House Republicans File Brief Siding with White House in Subpoena Battle

House Republicans File Brief Siding with White House in Subpoena Battle
By Paul Kiel - May 13, 2008, 11:34AM
Throughout the House Judiciary Committee's struggle to obtain White House documents and have Harriet Miers testify about the U.S. Attorney firings, House Republicans adopted a contrary stance.

They're firm believers in Congressional oversight, they said, but citing Miers and White House chief of staff Josh Bolten with contempt of Congress was the wrong way to go. If they lost the battle in court, then the executive would come out much stronger. It would "make the presidency in America, a much stronger, imperial office," as Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) put it. Democrats, of course, think we're already there.

Well, now House Republicans have brought their opposition to court. In a filing yesterday, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Rep. Cannon asked the court to allow them to file a brief in the case arguing against the House's suit and with the administration. They are just trying to save the House from itself, they write:

more:http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/05/house_republicans_file_brief_s.php

but they'll actually SUE to keep congress from exercising its constitutional role.what's wrong with this picture?

How is that supposed to work, their logic truly amazes me, may they get the change they deserve.