U.S. Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) is seen in this June 1, 2006 file photo. A federal judge on Monday upheld the FBI's unprecedented search of the office of Jefferson, a Louisiana Democrat who is the target of a bribery investigation. (Lee Celano/Reuters)
To: National Desk
Contact: Brendan Daly or Jennifer Crider, 202-226-7616, both of the Office of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
WASHINGTON, July 10 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on Judge Thomas F. Hogan's ruling upholding his approval of the search warrant of Representative William Jefferson (news, bio, voting record)'s congressional office:
"No one is above the law and no Members of the House can use a congressional office to conceal evidence of criminal wrongdoing or to shield them from prosecution.
"This particular search could have been conducted in a manner that fully protected the ability of the prosecutors to obtain the evidence needed to do their job while preserving constitutional principles.
"The House will continue discussions with the Department of Justice to develop procedures so that any future searches of Members' offices will protect the ability of the FBI to do its job and maintain the constitutional balance between the Legislative and Executive branches of government."
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