Susan Crabtree, The Hill
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) Thursday issued what appeared to be a final threat to the White House to comply with congressional subpoenas for information and testimony related to the firings of several U.S. attorneys.
In a formal written ruling, Leahy directed the White House to comply immediately with subpoenas for information and testimony that were issued earlier this year or face the consequences.
He argued that White House claims that executive privilege and immunity protected them from testifying before his committee and handing over documents were “overbroad, unsubstantiated and not legally valid.”
Leahy’s ruling denying the White House’s claims of immunity and executive privilege sets the stage for the full Senate Judiciary Committee to consider contempt citations against the White House. It could do so as early as next Thursday at its general business meeting. If the full committee approves the citation, a crowded Senate calendar likely would prevent it from reaching the floor for a vote before the December recess.