Comment Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.,
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,
On White House Letter
Regarding Testimony Of Karl Rove And J. Scott Jennings
August 1, 2007

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., received the a letter from White House Counsel Fred Fielding late today asserting executive privilege in response to the Committee’s subpoenas issued to Karl Rove and J. Scott Jennings for documents and testimony relating to congressional investigations into the firings of U.S. Attorneys and politicization within the Department of Justice.  

Mr. Fielding also claimed ‘immunity’ for Mr. Rove from testifying before Congress.  There was no such claim for Mr. Jennings.  * * Mr. Jennings is expected to appear before the Committee at 10 a.m. tomorrow.  * *   

Below is Chairman Leahy’s comment on the letter.

“Why is the White House working so hard to hide Karl Rove’s involvement?  Karl Rove, who is now refusing to comply with Senate subpoenas, spoke publicly in speeches about these firings when the scandal first broke, but is suddenly unable to talk it about when he is under oath? Mr. Rove has given reasons for the firings that have now been shown to be inaccurate after-the-fact fabrications.  Yet, he now refuses to tell this Committee the truth about his role in targeting well-respected U.S. Attorneys for firing and in seeking to cover up his role and that of his staff in the scandal.

“It is a shame that this White House continues to act as if it is above the law.  That is wrong.   The subpoenas authorized by this Committee in connection with its investigation into the mass firings of U.S. Attorneys and the corrosion of federal law enforcement by White House political influence deserve respect and compliance.  I look forward to hearing from Mr. Jennings tomorrow.”

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