Oversight panel leaders push on Fort Hood inquiry – Government Executive
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and ranking member Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Wednesday they have made one more offer to get the Obama administration’s cooperation in the committee’s inquiry into the November Fort Hood shootings, but indicated they would have to seek authorization for a subpoena.
Lieberman said he and Collins had “no desire” to subpoena the Defense and Justice departments but feel they have no alternative. Allowing the administration to use the argument that giving the committee access to the documents and witnesses it has requested would jeopardize successful prosecution of Army Maj. Nidal Hasan would set “a very bad precedent” that “will haunt future congresses,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I do believe we will be returning to the committee for authorization,” Collins said, because she believes the administration will not cooperate.
