I may be wrong about this, but I believe he can no longer be compelled to testify before a Congressional committee if he’s no longer a Federal appointee. I don’t think Congress can just hand a subpoena to Joe Q. Citizen on the street and make him go to Washington to testify in a Congressional hearing.
Congress can subpoena witnesses, or force them to testify under oath, before its committees. This authority comes from the Constitution’s grant to Congress of “all legislative powers” (Article 1, Section 1). Witnesses are subpoenaed to provide information that will assist committees in preparing legislation. In the case of Mc-Grain v. Daugherty (1927), the Supreme Court recognized that Congress could subpoena even private citizens to testify. The Court noted that since not everyone would volunteer needed information, “some means of compulsion are essential to obtain what is needed.” Witnesses who refuse to respond to a congressional subpoena, or refuse to give information (unless they invoke their 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination) may be found in contempt of Congress and sent to prison.
Congress can issue a subpena to Petraeus.
Yes, they certainly can subpoena any citizen to testify before Congress. They can also cite people for contempt of Congress if they lie or refuse to answer questions. Remember the “Hollywood Ten”?
They had no problems doing so with sports stars and the Twisted Sister freak.
What about Roger Clemens (sp)?
Roger Clemens comes to mind
Why, then, do CEOs of major corporations show up to testify before Congress when bidden?
They never had any trouble questioning mafiosi or those who knew anything about mafia activities. Nor did they have problems questioning resigned Nixon appointees dring the Watergate trials. Why should this be any different?
Pete King said tonight that nothing prevented Congress from calling on Petraeus. If that means subpoena, oh well.
I think you’re mistaken. They subpoenaed Hollywood writers.