Senate committee to widen its intelligence inquiry

[kayell]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usatoday/20030717/pl_usatoday/5330672

John Diamond USA TODAY

WASHINGTON -- The Senate Intelligence Committee indicated Wednesday that it will widen its investigation into President Bush (news - web sites)'s disputed charges last January about Iraq (news - web sites)'s attempts to buy uranium in Africa, going beyond the CIA (news - web sites)'s responsibility in the examination of the White House's role in the controversy.


Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said it was possible the committee would call White House officials to testify.


''We'll let the chips fall where they may,'' Roberts said.


It was the first indication from the Republican-controlled panel that its inquiry could go beyond the CIA's role in vetting portions of Bush's State of the Union address.


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[Walt Starr]

1. HOLY FUCKING SHIT HITTING THE FAN!!!!

They're throwing the administration overboard!!!

These Republican FUCKS know this thing isn't going away and they're giving the sign to the White House that they had better get their ducks in a row and make absolutely certain whoever is supposed to take the fall for this is on board and ready to fall on their sword.

This thing has longer legs than I ever imagined in my wildest dreams.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

2. I SO agree

But the repukes in Congress ain't dumb. They know, unlike the thugs at the WH, that lies that lead to corpses are bad for elections. They'll save their own skins even if * and Co. are too dumb to save their own.

[diplomats]

9. Well, if they call these WH officials to testify

they'll be under oath. Potential perjury, anyone?

[dusty64]

3. Somehow I can't seem

to get myself too hopeful. Smells like another whitewash to me, like I'd trust roberts to conduct a REAL investigation of his masters.

[Walt Starr]

4. You will NEVER see a REAL investigation

The whitewash will be Condi, Rummy, or Cheney will fall on their sword to protect the chimp. That's why they are widening the investigation. They know absolutely without a doubt one of the three of those must take the fall to protect the GOP.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

5. and it won't matter

Chimpy saying "I didn't know, I'm just the President" won't be much of a defense. The toothpaste is out of the tube

[NYC]

6. I agree.

The toothpaste IS out of the tube. I have hope.

[blue agave]

7. Maybe Condi & Rummy, but not Cheney

I don't see the puppet master going down voluntarily.

[TahitiNut]

8. It won't be Cheney or Rumsfeld.

Smirky McNarcissist is far more expendible to the Reich. Cheney runs the show and Rumsfeld is his Tojo.

Anything less than criminal indictments will be a reprehensible whitewash.

The inflated characterization of mere job loss as some sort of "punishment" is filthy recycled hogwash. These people have caused millions of people to lose employment -- without "golden parachutes" or hugely enriching landing zones.

[chiburb]

10. I think with a 51-45 vote...

On creating an independent inquiry, Roberts realized he has to placate the Dems by "expanding" his committee's work. And yes, I think Condisleaza will walk the plank...

[MostlyBlackCat2]

12. how does the vote effect this?

I'm clueless how some of this stuff works. How does the lsot vote yesterday effect this investigation -and will this now pave the way for hiring an independent counsel a al Ken Starr to head up an official investigation? Is there still a possibility for impeachment? (fingers crossed!)

Thanks for your help!!

[chiburb]

13. What I meant was...

With a vote that close, strictly along party lines, and with a chance of 1 or 2 or 3 Repugs potentially changing their minds (if the heat keeps up), Roberts HAD to expand his inquiry. This is the best he could do, try to 'manage' the damage while throwing a bone to the opposition.
Just my take, fwiw.
Welcome to DU!

[carolinayellowdog]

11. Where the chips *may* fall, according to Roberts

will be where Rove tells him they are allowed to fall

[damnraddem]

14. A local group I'm in is conducting Tuesday vigils ...

in front of Roberts' local office, demanding a full, open, bipartisan inquiry.

[sandnsea]

15. Wow, thank you

I doubt it got by you, but just in case, Roberts wouldn't request an FBI investigation into the forgeries back in March. Rockefeller went to him twice to get him to add the weight of the majority leader to that request. The FBI said no at the time. Now the FBI says they will and there's reference to requests from Congress. It wasn't Congress, it was Jay Rockefeller. I am so glad you guys are putting pressure on him, thanks so much.