The Daily Background
| DoJ signals it will let Congress force key Gonzales aide to testify (whether she likes it or not)
by Arlen Parsa
Well, the Congressional investigation into the politicization of the Department of Justice took another big step forward today with the DoJ signaling it would let Monica Goodling testify under oath before the House and or Senate Judiciary Committees.
Goodling (pictured at right), who resigned in April, is viewed by many as the key link between the White House and the Department of Justice, in her former role as a top aide to embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Goodling had previously claimed her Fifth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination, and can now be forced to testify under an involuntary immunity package.
The Associated Press reported today that “the department said it would prefer not to see an immunity deal” compelling Goodling to testify, however in a letter DoJ officials seemed to admit it was inevitable. “Balancing the significant public interest against the impact of the committee’s actions on our ongoing investigation, we will not raise an objection or seek a deferral.”
In addition to Goodling’s testimony, bipartisan Senate Judiciary Committee leaders Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) requested an interview with Bradley Schlozman, a former US Attorney and official in the DoJ Civil Rights Division. Schlozman may have information related to a the Department’s prosecution of a “voter fraud” case under investigation by Congress.
Allegations of “voter fraud” are often excuses used by Republicans to push unconstitutional identification laws which typically make it harder for minorities and poorer (Democratic-leaning) voters to cast their ballots.
I am calling for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission over former US Attorney Bradley J. Schlozman’s Voting Rights Act violations in Kansas and Missouri.
Judicial Watchdog Demands Commission On AG Alberto Gonzales Promotion Of Bradley Schlozman After Schlozman’s Voting Rights Act Violations