WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Chief Deputy Whip, today
called for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate allegations
that the Bush Administration provided news sources the identity of a CIA
employee.
“I
am disgusted that someone within the Bush Administration would stoop so
low as to reveal the identity of a CIA operative for political payback.
What is even more disturbing is President Bush’s refusal to support the
naming of a special prosecutor to investigate the alleged crime against
our national security.
“Does
anyone think that Attorney General John Ashcroft is capable of conducting
a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation? It has been two months
and the Department of Justice is just now launching an official investigation.
This is a matter of national security that cannot be left in the hands
of the most political Justice Department in our history.
“While
in Chicago today, President Bush said, ‘I want to know the truth.
I want to know who the leakers are.’ That is not enough. Such
a crime puts lives at risk and threatens our national security and President
Bush should be supporting an impartial investigation conducted by someone
who does not have close ties to his Administration.
“It
appears that the White House wanted to intimidate those who did not agree
with the Bush Administration’s misguided and failed policies in Iraq.
Their attempt misfired. Now those responsible should be held accountable.” |