Pelosi Statement on Contempt of Congress Vote by House Judiciary Committee

July 25, 2007

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on a vote by the House Judiciary Committee calling for the full House to seek contempt of Congress citations for White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers following their refusal to comply with subpoenas issued in the U.S. Attorney investigation:

'The contempt proceedings in the House Judiciary Committee today are part of a broader effort by House Democrats to restore our nation's fundamental system of checks and balances.

'The Constitution gives the Congress a crucial role in overseeing the Executive Branch in order to protect the American people against overreaching, incompetence, and corruption. I am hopeful that today's vote will help the Administration see the light and release the information to which the Judiciary Committee is entitled.

'For the last six years, under Republican leadership, Congress failed to conduct its proper oversight role, resulting in fiascos such as the mismanagement of our Iraq policy, widespread corruption by contractors such as Halliburton, and the failed response to Hurricane Katrina.

'Congress will act to preserve and protect our criminal justice system and to ensure appropriate Congressional oversight in all areas essential to the well-being of the American people.'