Rice Resists Subpoena

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she’s not obligated under the principle of executive privilege to comply with a subpoena issued by the House, but would be happy to respond to questions by writing a letter.

AP via CNN:

“I addressed these questions, almost the same questions, during my confirmation hearing,” she said. “This is an issue that has been answered and answered and answered.”

Rice noted that she had been serving as President George W. Bush’s national security adviser during the period covered by the panel’s questions, and stressed the administration’s position that presidential aides not confirmed by the Senate cannot be forced to testify before Congress under the doctrine of executive privilege.

“This all took place in my role as national security adviser,” she said. “There is a constitutional principle. There is a separation of powers and advisers to the president under that constitutional principle are not generally required to go and testify in Congress.

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