The Bush Administration has lost another fight over privilege as it is advancing new claims in refusing information to Congress. U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth has ruled that the information is part of the public record and is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act as “agency records.”
It is not unexpected as a ruling. The White House and the Justice Department has been using every possible means to delay release of the information — playing more to the calendar than the Constitution. As it has been losing these claims in federal court, the Bush Administration is making equally questionable claims in refusing information to Congress.
Just recently, both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees voted to issue contempt sanctions again current and former Bush officials for refusing to testify or supply information on the scandal over the fired U.S. attorneys. For that story, click here
It is highly doubtful that any court would uphold the breathtaking scope of privilege claimed against Congress. However, that is not the point. The Justice Department has one year to drag out this controversy before it hopes the matter will become politically moot.
For the most recent loss, click here
Going to appeal quicker than quick. I wonder if they can consolidate this with the Veep’s case……