Posted on 05/20/2009 5:06:49 PM PDT by Man50D
A growing chorus of Republican lawmakers is calling for an investigation into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's accusation that the CIA lied to Congress about Bush-era interrogation techniques.
FBI Director Robert Mueller, when asked if a probe was under way, told Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., on Wednesday that he needed a referral before launching an investigation into the allegation.
So Issa offered one.
"If the CIA is lying to any of us -- and I've been briefed many times by them as a member of the Intelligence Committee -- it puts me in a position of not being able to do my job properly," he said.
Mueller said he would consult with the Justice Department on whether he should investigate the charges.
The exchange is the latest development in a controversy that began with Democrats seeking to hold Bush officials accountable for enhanced interrogation techniques used on terrorism suspects. But Pelosi's contradicting statements on if and when she was briefed on the methods have given Republicans ample ammunition in the partisan conflict.
Rep. Steve King, R-Ill., also called on Mueller to initiate an investigation.
"The CIA and other American defense and intelligence agencies cannot trust Nancy Pelosi without national secrets, let alone our national security, until this matter is resolved," King said in a written statement. "We need an investigation into the basis of Speaker Pelosi's very severe accusations. If true, there has been a serious violation of federal laws. If false, American national security requires a new speaker of the House. The severity of Speaker Pelosi's accusations leaves no middle ground."
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich went even further, calling on Pelosi to resign. He called her charges "stunning" and "dishonest" and said that she's disqualified herself to be speaker.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
>>Mueller said he would consult with the Justice Department on whether he should investigate the charges.<<
So much for that idea.
This is a good move for Republicans.
They need to take Nanzi’s accusations dead seriously, because these are serious accusations.
They need to get Democrats on record over whether or not they agree.
These alleged lies from the CIA must be investigated.
There are few accusations that could be leveled against the CIA that are more serious than lying to members of Congress in classified briefings.
The CIA must be held accountable to the American people.
God help Nanzi Pelozi if her accusations prove false...
Target in this case is Nancy Pelosi, as in:
"Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama said / did..."
"Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid said / did..."
"Nancy Pelosi and Congressman XYZ (fill in the name of local "conservative" Congressperson here) said / did..."
That will cause a rift and a split in Democratic party wider than Grand Canyon, as "conservative" Democrats will have to run as fast and as far as they can from anything Nancy wants to do, to remain at all electable in their districts (or states for Senators).
Eagles UP! Let’s bring her DOWN!
ping
But remember the seriousness of the charge is more important than if its true.
I am sure Eric Holder's people will tell Mueller to go ahead and start an investigation..........
It’s a proper CYA move by Mueller, without appearing partisan. If Eric Holder refuses investigation altogether or decides to investigate in-house, anything that comes out in public later is on his head.
Just taking a few letters from the headline
Rather than calling liberal’s bluff which could backfire if the dems decide to stick together and make a showtrial out of crucifying the CIA (and they could actually pull it off IMO) ... they should call for an investigation of PELOSI — not the CIA!
Obama doesn’t need to lift a finger against Pelosi - why would he when the Repubs will willingly do it for him?
I think the CIA will also slowly leak stuff on her. I would not be suprised if someone found some shady business deal she and her hubby were involved in or how her daddy was a mobster back on the east coast.
The word is Rep. Stenny Hoyer (D) MD who is just behind her in the House is planning on a coup to get her out.
The Repubs want to keep here their so she can keep self-water boarding herself while the Dems want to come up with a way to push her out quietly.
They need to go after her with the objective of removing her from office. There is an arrogance and an air of being untouchable that makes her unfit as a leader. Frank and Dodd should be next!
Nanzi has shreaded the notes from her presser!
Hmmm. Her ears must be as low as her tatas.
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