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Senate subpoenas White House over wiretapping data

"If there have been lies told to us, we'll refer it to the Department of Justice and the US attorney."

Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee

The Senate is subpoenaing the White House and US Vice President Dick Cheney's office, demanding documents and elevating the confrontation with US President George W. Bush over the administration's warrant-free eavesdropping on US citizens.

Separately, the Senate Judiciary Committee is summoning US Attorney-General Alberto Gonzales to discuss the program and an array of other matters that have cost a half-dozen top Justice Department officials their jobs, committee chairman Patrick Leahy said.

Leahy, a Democrat, raised questions about previous testimony by one of Bush's appeals court nominees and said he would not let such matters pass.

"If there have been lies told to us, we'll refer it to the Department of Justice and the US attorney for whatever legal action they think is appropriate," Leahy told reporters.

He did just that on Wednesday, referring questions about testimony by former White House aide Brett Kavanaugh, who now sits on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

Leahy's actions are the latest moves by a Congress invigorated by the Democrats' victory in last November's elections.

During the first six years of Bush's presidency, a Republican-led Congress had few hearings on allegations of incompetence or wrongdoing against Bush's Republican administration.

Showdown

The subpoenas could lead to a showdown between the Bush administration and Congress, which might have to be settled in federal courts.

Echoing its response to previous congressional subpoenas to former administration officials Harriet Miers and Sara Taylor, the White House gave no indication that it would comply with the new ones.

"We're aware of the committee's action and will respond appropriately," White House spokesman Tony Fratto said.

"It's unfortunate that congressional Democrats continue to choose the route of confrontation," he said.

In fact, the Judiciary Committee's three most senior Republicans -- Arlen Specter, former chairman Orrin Hatch and Chuck Grassley -- sided with Democrats on the 13-3 vote last week to give Leahy the power to issue the subpoenas.

Also named in subpoenas signed by Leahy were the US Justice Department and the National Security Council. The four parties have until July 18 to comply, Leahy said.

He added that, like House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, also a Democrat, he would consider pursuing contempt citations against those who refuse.

The Judiciary committees have issued the subpoenas as part of a look at how much influence the White House exerts over the Justice Department and its chief, Gonzales.
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