Mike Thompson: “I know of no other. Obviously, if I am proven incorrect on that, we will supplement this record. But this is clearly the…”

“I know of no other. Obviously, if I am proven incorrect on that, we will supplement this record. But this is clearly the area-- which points out the importance of it, which points out the whole personnel issue--getting the right people in the right place at the right time with the right pay and the right responsibilities and the right accountability is what this is all about. Therefore, Congress-- many years ago, President Kennedy signed the bill--decided that the President should have the right, in personnel, with regard to matters of national security. And even broader than that: Intelligence, counterintelligence, and investigative, which is something I know my friend from Pennsylvania knows a great deal about--investigative. I do not know whether that has ever been exercised, that particular provision, but it is a pretty broad provision. Every President since Jimmy Carter has exercised that provision. As far as I know, it has not been controversial. This President Bush exercised it not too long ago with regard to the U.S. attorneys. There was a hue and cry that went up. It was said they may be prosecuting terrorists and we may have to move them around somewhat and all that. Well and good, but you included the secretaries.”