Comment Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.,
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,
On Washington Post’s Report That White House Will Bar Justice Department
From Pursuing Any Contempt Charges
Arising From Executive Privilege Claims  
July 20, 2007

“This Administration has consistently chosen to stonewall congressional oversight attempts and this latest decision to interfere with those checks and balances is deeply disturbing. By acting above the law, this President and Vice President seek to override the independence of law enforcement and manipulate our valued system of checks and balances. 

“This is another demonstration of the lawless and unchecked path the President, the Vice President and their loyal aides have taken us down.  This disturbing refusal to allow a court to review this Administration’s blanket executive privilege claims raises questions about the merits behind it and suggests an independent review is probably in order."

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