Political Quotes

Arlen Specter: “I do not think we could make the commitment not to pursue a subpoena at a later time if we felt the informal interviews…”

On the recordJuly 9, 2007
I do not think we could make the commitment not to pursue a subpoena at a later time if we felt the informal interviews were insufficient. I don't think we can give up our authority in that process, and if we could, I wouldn't agree to that because I don't know what the informal interviews are going to produce and I would want to retain the right to exercise our right to subpoena. I would acknowledge at the same time that if we exercise our right to a subpoena that the President could exercise whatever rights he has on executive privilege. We would be back to square one, but at least we would have the advantage of the questioning.
Said by
Arlen Specter
Democratic · Pennsylvania

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the authority to issue subpoenas in relation to informal interviews during a Senate debate.

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