[CyberAnt]

In other words .. all congress people are above the law ..?? I don't think so!

[Ikemeister]

"In other words .. all congress people are above the law ..?? I don't think so!"

Well, sensible people like you and I may not think so, but it is a fact that Congress exempts itself from many of the laws it passes.

[K-oneTexas]

I think you've hit it square on.

So if we think about it if there is bribery occurring in the halls of the Capitol, or "cooking the books" or even a group of plotters or terrorist there and evidence of their action was there ... the FBI or any law enforcement agencies could not enter and get that evidence.

I bet Enron or Arkadelphia or Tyco, et al wish their offices were there.

I muse too much. We all know how upstanding our elected officials are.

[dufekin]

In this case, the exemption from the law applies only to distinguished Democratic members of Congress. Democrats, as any sensible American knows, are incorruptible almost by definition because they necessarily embody the greatest virtues of the American people, and therefore investigating, searching, or raiding any distinguished Congressional Democrat fundamentally constitutes an exercise in futility. Such a raid necessarily violates the Constitution because no probable cause can exist against a Democrat, rendering any warrants decidedly unattainable.

[b4its2late]

In other words .. all congress people are above the law ..??

Democrats think they are. Remember - "No Controlling Legal Authority."

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

In other words .. all congress people are above the law ..??

THEY obviously think so.

[Lunatic Fringe]

I don't believe that is what he is saying.

Hastert has a valid point. The White House claims "executive privilege" all the time when Congress asks for records.

[dyed_in_the_wool]

In other words .. all congress people are above the law ..?? I don't think so!

Technically, they are. Legislation does not pertain to the business of congress. They can pay below minimum wage, etc.
N.B. this does not pertain to personal conduct, just as an organization, congress is exempt from most statutes.

[El Gato]

In other words .. all congress people are above the law ..?? I don't think so!

To a limited extent, they are.

The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.Article 1 Section 6, Constitution for the United States.

[Homer1]

It's time for Hastert to step down. This is indefensible.

[pointsal]

I guess the FBI should be taking the cues from the Capitol Police, when it comes to handling congressional matters....

[Ann Archy]

What about when the Justice Dept. took Senator Creep "that stole kisses and copped feels" from Washington....HIS DIARY!!!! I didn't hear ANY screaming about exposing a man's DIARY!!