According to a New York Times story “Ashcroft Briefed Regularly on Inquiry Into CIA Leak, 10/22/03:
 

Mr. Ashcroft has been given all the details needed "for him to understand meaningfully what's going on in the investigation," Christopher Wray, a political appointee who heads the Justice Department's criminal division, said at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee under sharp questioning from several Democrats who want Mr. Ashcroft to recuse himself from the case. (New York Times, 10/22/03)

However, Attorney General Ashcroft is closely tied to members of the Bush White House who may be responsible for the leak.  In a letter to President Bush yesterday, Schakowsky wrote:
 

“…it has been 100 days since this crime occurred, and the American public expects results, long before another 100 days have passed.  I urge you to leave no stone unturned in discovering and disciplining the official or officials responsible for this extremely serious breach of security.  Given the relationship of Attorney General Ashcroft to members of your Administration, I once again call on you to support an independent investigation in order to ensure that there is no chance that conflicts of interest could influence, delay or derail the process.”

 Below is Schakowsky’s letter to President Bush:

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20500-0003

Dear President Bush:

Tomorrow, October 22, will mark the 100th day since the identity of an undercover agent, an employee of the CIA, was disclosed by the media.  At a time when national security is a top priority for the American people, the leak of top secret information that puts a CIA agent, her associates and the fight against terrorism at risk should be of the utmost concern.  Yet, after 100 days, there is no indication that your Administration has made this investigation an urgent priority or is even close to uncovering which Administration official or officials were responsible for this unprecedented leak. 

It is almost inconceivable that a vigorous investigation would be unable to uncover the source of this leak within your Administration if given adequate resources and direction. The seriousness of this crime must not be ignored or minimized.  Its magnitude raises even larger concerns because it appears to have been a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of Ambassador Joe Wilson, whose fact finding mission found evidence that contradicted White House statements, and to intimidate those who might find themselves in similar situations in the future.  It is the job of the Administration to strengthen U.S. national security, not to undermine it.  But, the fact that you have yet to bring to justice the individual or individuals responsible for the leak sends a dangerous message that other U.S. intelligence assets may be in jeopardy. 

Again, it has been 100 days since this crime occurred, and the American public expects results, long before another 100 days have passed.  I urge you to leave no stone unturned in discovering and disciplining the official or officials responsible for this extremely serious breach of security.  Given the relationship of Attorney General Ashcroft to members of your Administration, I once again call on you to support an independent investigation in order to ensure that there is no chance that conflicts of interest could influence, delay or derail the process. 

Thank you for your consideration of this recommendation. 

Sincerely,

Jan Schakowsky
Member of Congress