WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today lauded Chairman Patrick Leahy’s finding that the White House’s continued claims of privilege and immunity are not legally
justified. Senator Cardin repeated his call for the current and former members of the Bush Administration to honor the subpoenas issued by Congress in the firings of the eight U.S. Attorneys.

“In our system of checks and balances, Congress has a clear responsibility to determine whether or not the Department of Justice has been manipulated for political purposes.
 The President and his advisors need to be reminded that they are not above the law. Their continued stonewalling only amplifies the questions surrounding the firing of many of the nation’s top prosecutors. I urge the White House to comply with the outstanding subpoenas immediately,” said Senator Cardin.

The Judiciary Committee issued subpoenas in June and July of this year for documents and testimony to White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, former White House political director Sara M. Taylor, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and White House deputy political director J. Scott Jennings. Bolten has yet to produce any documents and Rove failed to appear before the committee. While Taylor and Jennings appeared before the Committee for sworn testimony, both cited the White House’s claim of executive privilege and failed to answer most questions.