Progressive Minds

In a further display of its arrogance, and its disrespect for Congressional oversight, the Bush Crime Team is stalling the Senate's investigation into the federal government's failed response to Hurricane Katrina.

According to Republican and Democratic Senators leading the investigation, The Bush White House has barred Administration officials from answering questions, and has failed to turn over documents.

The top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee say that the Bush White House and other federal agencies has refused to allow Congressional investigators to interview them.  They are also refusing to answer questions about dates and times of meeting and phone calls with the White House, regarding Hurricane Katrina.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chair of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, said: "We are entitled to know if someone from the Department of Homeland Security calls someone at the White House during this whole crisis period.  So I think the White House has gone too far in restricting basic information about who called whom on what day." Sen. Collins also added that "it is completely inappropriate" for the White House to refuse to let agency officials talk to the Committee.

Well Sen. Collins, you are absolutely correct.  But when are you and the rest of your colleagues on the Hill going to get a clue?  What is it going to take for you to understand that George W. Bush has no respect for the fact that we have three separate but co-equal branches of government, and that he is not a King unto himself.  What is it going to take for you to understand that you are dealing with a White House that has no reguard for Congressional oversight.

Senators: White House Stalls Katrina Probe