In yet another example of how members of Congress are completely out of touch, a number of Republicans have complained about the FBI search of Rep. William Jefferson’s office as a result of an investigation into bribery charges against the man. Speaker Hastert has complained directly to the president.
CQ asks an appropriate question.
Does Congress really want to establish a precedent that neither branch has to answer subpoenas if issued by the other, even if approved by a judge — which this particular subpoena was?
While Congress members rarely have a problem interpreting the constitution on matters that involve outsiders, they seem to have difficulty interpreting the real meaning of its words when used in context with the illegal activity of their own.
United States Constitution ~ Article I ~ § 6 ~ ¶ 1:
The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any speech or debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other place. (emphasis is mine)
Dafydd has much more.
STILL MORE: Pelosi tells Jefferson to resign. He refuses. Hastert demands that the FBI return Jefferson’s documents.