Bush Wins Backing to Withhold Energy Records

Reuters ^ | 1-29-02 | Adam Entous

[Oregon Coast Conservative]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush won the backing of Republican leaders on Tuesday in seeking to deny congressional investigators access to records critics say could show the role played by Enron Corp. in crafting an energy plan favorable to the now bankrupt company.

[My2Cents]

The Democrats in Congress are simply looking for something, anything, that will sink GW Bush and his Administration to the level of "moral equivalency" with the Clinton group. These Democrats spent 8 years ignoring malfeasance on the part of the previous Administration, and now they can't WAIT to find some smoking gun from the Enron debacle.

Besides, when did it become illegal to consult with a major energy marketer in drafting a national energy policy? And what part of that policy (which IS public) would have benefitted Enron specifically?

[Wild Irish Rogue]

If the GAO actually files suit, won't that hamper Waxman's ability to crank out press releases demanding that the WH turn over the names?? It will take the issue away from Waxman and put it in the courts, which is why I think the GAO will blink.

[Reagan Man]

It's good to hear that the President and VP Cheney have the full public support of House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Senate Republican leader Trent Lott.

The BIG question is, why should VP Cheney statisfy any demands, or requests from the GAO and Congressional Critters like democrat Henry Waxman and republican Dan Burton? The VP would be setting a bad precedent that could effect future presidents and vp`s, from having the ability to seek out and receive advise in private. So far, all that exists is innuendo and rumor and a few outrageous and false charges by Terry McAuliffe. The key here is evidence of involvement in some impropriety and right now evidence is something which doesn't exist. No one in the Bush administration has given any impression of hiding anything. This is a Democrat inspired and media led, fishing expedition.

I believe Cheney has already released the names of the people he met with and the companies they represented. The problem is that the GAO is demanding transcripts and records of everything that was discussed. A word by word timeline of everything that transpired. Democrats like Waxman want the details so they can fabricate a connection with Bushes energy policy and prove the existence of a quid pro quo. There's no evidence to support such an inquiry.

[Oregon Coast Conservative]

I think Cheney is playing a game here. Force the GAO to either file a lawsuit, which they will lose, and then say, see, we didn't have to release this info, but now that we've proven our point, we will release it, because we want to, not because someone forced us to. Or, if the GAO decides it doesn't want to embarass itself by going to court and losing, Cheney will release it, again, after having shown that he won't let congress push him around.IMHO

[Ken H]

The RATS are using the GAO as an end run around Congress, IMO. Waxman knows he can't get his committee to subpoena the information.

It is the constitutional duty of Congress to provide oversight to the Executive branch-- not some Legislative creation like the GAO, which is nowhere mentioned in the US Constitution.

[kristinn]

Sen. Grassley has learned the lesson of the corrupt Clinton administration: don't leave anything to be subpoenaed.

That he would offer such advice to the Bush administration does not bode well.

[sinkspur]

The GAO has said it would gauge congressional support before acting.

Walker's backpedaling.

There'll be no lawsuit.

Thanks, Denny.

[Don Joe]

I wonder if these people have considered the "be careful what you ask for" doctrine?

How would they like it if the adminstration says fine, we'll release the information on our consultations -- all of our consultations!"

I have a sneaking suspicion that they'd scream bloody murder if the adminstration threatened to release notes on consultations initiated by the fair-haired boys of the liberal camp. And "all or nothing" stance might be worth considering. When the "concerned watchdogs" start crying foul, the administration can then cast them as the hypocrites that they are, and then "move on".

[kristinn]

I don't view this as a game of 'gotcha'. I'm for open and honest government.

[Oregon Coast Conservative]

Yeah, I was rather suprised, and sickened, by that comment to. Wonder whats up with him?

[copycat]

"... I think it is fair to say most American people support the effort," said Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle.

OK, here's a poll question to test that statement...

"What's more important...Congress's need to know about Enron and the energy task force, or the President's need to be able to receive confidential advice?"

[kristinn]

He's a crook ? Or maybe he's afraid there's something afoul in the administration.