Category: Congress

National Enquirer Sued for Defamation Over Kennedy “Love-Child” Story

A Massachusetts woman, Caroline Bilodeau-Allen, and her son, Christopher Allen, are suing the National Enquirer for defamation after the tabloid reported in 2006 that Christopher is really the son of Mass. Sen. Ted Kennedy. The Enquirer is standing by its sources in what could be a new test of the so-called New York Times v. Sullivan standard.  Continue reading “National Enquirer Sued for Defamation Over Kennedy “Love-Child” Story”

Leahy Starts Formal Process that Could Lead to a Contempt Citation for Karl Rove and Others

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy has formally determined that Karl Rove, John Bolten, former White House political director Sara Taylor and her deputy, J. Scott Jennings, are in violation of the Senate subpoenas and must comply “immediately” or face legal consequences. Continue reading “Leahy Starts Formal Process that Could Lead to a Contempt Citation for Karl Rove and Others”

The Death (and Life) of Henry Hyde

Over thirty years ago, I walked on to the floor of the House Representatives on my first day as a congressional page – fidgeting in a new blue suit and trying desperately to hide the fact that I was terrified. I was immediately pushed into a scrum of members and pages running about in a close vote. Nobody really noticed the teenager being shoved around like flotsam and jetsam until I felt a huge hand grab me by the arm and pull me into a member’s seat. I looked up at a tall man in an outrageously bright canary yellow suit and a smile to match. It was Henry Hyde. Continue reading “The Death (and Life) of Henry Hyde”

Federal Appellate Court Rules Against Government in Trentadue Case

Many observers have long believed that there was a federal cover-up in the alleged suicide of Kenneth Trentadue in a federal prison. His brother has long argued that federal officials, not suicide, were behind the death in August 1995. Now, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against the federal government’s effort to withhold a critical report on the case.   Continue reading “Federal Appellate Court Rules Against Government in Trentadue Case”

Clinton and Rove Revise History on War: It Turns Out That No One Actually Supported the Iraq War

As the election approaches, it is becoming apparent that no one actually supported going to war in Iraq. In separate statements this week, Bill Clinton and Karl Rove revised history and their roles in supporting the Iraq War. Continue reading “Clinton and Rove Revise History on War: It Turns Out That No One Actually Supported the Iraq War”

Ashcroft Firm that Received $52 Million Contract is Filled With Republican Insiders and Former Aides

The highly controversial contract that could bring as much as $52 million to John Ashcroft’s new consulting firm seems to follow a trend in the Bush Administration of steering money to loyalists.  A glimpse at the principles of the firm show that all but one of the leaders are former Ashcroft aides or major Republican operatives or both. Continue reading “Ashcroft Firm that Received $52 Million Contract is Filled With Republican Insiders and Former Aides”

Kennedy and Spector To Offer State Secrets Legislation

Senators Ted Kennedy and Arlen Spector are drafting legislation to finally address the widespread abuse of the military and state secrets privilege, a law that would require courts to seriously review the basis and scope of these assertions. As lead counsel in the Area 51 cases involving the privilege, it is welcomed and long over-due news.  Continue reading “Kennedy and Spector To Offer State Secrets Legislation”

Federal Judge Accused of Sexual Assault: Could Face Criminal Charges or Impeachment

Federal trial judge Samuel Kent is facing possible criminal charges and impeachment after accusations of sexual harassment and assault. The judiciary itself is under criticism for its handling of the allegations stemming from the United District Court in Galveston and court employee Cathy McBroom. Continue reading “Federal Judge Accused of Sexual Assault: Could Face Criminal Charges or Impeachment”