Check out what Conyers says about the DOJ regarding Abramoff

Abramoff Plea Deal -- Whats Next; Obnoxious Bush Signing Statement on Torture Bill

Another recess day, another big day in D.C.

The big news was the Abramoff plea deal (see CREW's analysis). We start by giving DOJ some credit for agressively pursuing this case, but the unanswered question is where they will take this case from here? They appear to have fingered one Rep., and hinted at bribery of others, but it looks like a lot of work needs to be done before further indictments are brought. I have seen this Department at work, and they are more politicized than any DOJ under any president I have seen. We can only hope there are some good, strong career attorneys in the middle of this case, who are willing to blow the whistle if political pressure is brought to bear to quiet the thing down.

I also read a good post at mydd on Bush's signing statement on the Defense bill. In particular, he appeared to thumb his nose at Congress on torture, essentially saying the Executive reserves whatever power he or she deems necessary unto itself. This is the same animus that led to the warrantless wiretapping scandal, the Iraq debacle, and many, many civil liberties abuses since Sept. 11. I intend to do everything within my power to provide some sort of check and balance to these outrageous usurpations of authority that threaten our very constitutional structure. Really amazing stuff.


Blogged by JC on 01.03.06 @ 10:13 PM ET