Posted on 07/16/2014 8:21:55 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
Rep. Darrell Issa isnt ruling out the possibility of holding a senior adviser to President Barack Obama in contempt for his failure to appear before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday.
The California Republican said his staff is evaluating how to respond after David Simas, the director of the White House Office of Political Strategy and Outreach, claimed immunity from testifying before the panel on alleged violations of the Hatch Act at the White House.
I cant rule it in or out, yet, Issa said. I cant answer what we will do in this case, but I can tell you that there is a similar case that occurred under President [George W.] Bush and the similarities are significant.
Issa was referencing Committee on the Judiciary v. Miers, a lawsuit congressional Democrats brought against Harriet Miers, the White House Counsel for Bush. Miers failed to appear under subpoena to testify about the controversial firing of U.S. attorneys. The House ultimately brought civil charges against Miers and held in her contempt in 2008.
Issa was one of the 173 members who walked out during that contempt vote in protest.
The White House and Issa have been trading barbs since last week when Issa issued a subpoena for Simas appearance to discuss how the White Houses political office was complying with the Hatch Act - a law that bars executive branch employees from engaging in political campaigning. Issa has accused the political affairs office of being a de facto campaign arm for the Democrats - a charge the White House fiercely denies as unfounded.
White House Counsel Neil Eggleston said late Tuesday that compelling Simas testimony threatens longstanding interests of the executive branch in preserving the presidents independence and autonomy, as well as his ability to obtain candid advice and counsel to aid him in the discharge of his constitutional duties.
Eggleston added that Simas is immune from congressional compulsion.
The Oversight Committee went ahead with its planned hearing Wednesday morning in Simas absence but was quickly gaveled into recess after opening statements. Issa said he is closely studying the Miers case to determine his path forward.
You can never predict whats appropriate until you reviewed it but I can give you the historical element. In the case of Harriet Miers, the Judiciary Committee held her in contempt and the House held her in contempt. That would be my answer, he said. Weve been faced with the assertion that the president employees are above the law and above congressional review. Were in the process of working with House Counsel and others to see what our response will be.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the Oversight panel, said holding Simas in contempt would be wrong. It would be a waste of the committees time and it would be a waste of the resources, the Maryland Democrat said.
Do it and Jail them.
BIG DEAL
Wake me if he ever actually does something.
Or if Boener cries again. That can be entertaining..
Ain't that the truth. Until I see people INDICTED and CHARGED it's all just Washington DC's version of Kabuki theater.
The House holding anyone in contempt is about as effective as a trolling motor on a jumbo jet.
Seriously....has anything ever come out or happened as a result of one of these hearings?
If you are the subject of one of these hearings you just have to figure it might be a little uncomfortable for a day or two, but ultimately nothing will ever happen. I doubt anyone even frets about these anymore...other than the slight inconvenience.
Am I wrong?
The GOP is a laughing stock - chicken spineless weasels.
Here’s an idea Darrell, send him a Strongly Worded Letter. Put a copy in his Permanent File. Really lower the boom on him!
What was it the Texans used to say? All Hat and No Cattle!
Weighs!
What the Hell?!
We are being represented by cowards.
It’s like he’s getting paid by the hour. It’s more worthwhile to ponder whether an undated article about an Israeli / “Palestinian” conflict is current or five or ten or twenty years old.
Boehner cries, Issa weighs, and the American people are still bent off a barrel, after their leaders have had their way with them. Why stand up? They’ll just be bent back over in a few minutes anyway.
Issa don’t weigh it, do it!!!
He won’t do it.
Wasn't that racist Holder in contempt of congress too? That really hurt him didn't it?
come on Darrell, take off the panties and wear some big boy pants.
You’re playing tin the big leagues now pal.
Go get em the lying cheaten scum.
“Weighs”.....ReallY?
Either put up or shut the hell up about it. I am sick and tired of hearing all the possibilities, either get the job done or move on to something else like IMPEACHMENT, JAIL, DEPORTATION and numerous other tangible issues.
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