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.

Share

More from Arlen Specter

Dec 15, 2010

I have sought recognition to introduce the Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2010. This legislation was originally filed as an amendment, number 4693, to the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act S. 510, but did not receive a vote…

govinfo.gov
Dec 5, 2011

I think Senator Sessions has it right when he says they consider it their domain. Well, it is not.

congress.gov
Dec 21, 2010

I have sought recognition to comment briefly about the START Treaty, the consideration of which is now pending before the Senate, and to urge my colleagues to move forward to ratify this important treaty. I have long been interested in the…

govinfo.gov
Dec 5, 2011

Not only does the Court affect the daily lives of all Americans, it has a tremendous impact upon the separation of powers.

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation