FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2004

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-225-0100

Pelosi Statement on Justice Department CIA Leak Investigation

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) introduced a resolution of inquiry on the release of information revealing the association of Valerie Plame with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA):

"It has been more than three months since the Justice Department began its investigation of the disclosure of Ms. Valerie Plame's affiliation with the CIA. Despite the tardy recusal of the Attorney General, the investigation is still being run within the Administration, rather than by people independent of it. This is a mistake.

"I agree with the sentiment expressed by 10 former intelligence officers in a January 20 letter to the Speaker: 'The disclosure of Ms. Plame’s name was an unprecedented and shameful event in American history and, in our professional judgment, has damaged U.S. national security, specifically the effectiveness of U.S. intelligence gathering using human sources.'

"Congressman Rush Holt has introduced a resolution of inquiry calling upon the Administration to turn over documents and other records in the Plame matter to congressional committees with jurisdiction. I support that resolution.

"I cannot understand, however, given the seriousness of this matter, why the President has not become personally involved. He has not been well served by the action of a person or persons on the White House staff who, having possession of information of great sensitivity, chose to disclose it to the media. The President should demand that those responsible identify themselves immediately to him and face the consequences."

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi