WH Claims Executive Privilege Protects Officials From Contempt Charges

Rep Waxman: “The Next Step Would Be Just Disbanding The Justice Department"

Washington Post Dan Eggen and Amy Goldstein July 21, 2007 04:11 PM
Bush administration officials unveiled a bold new assertion of executive authority yesterday in the dispute over the firing of nine U.S. attorneys, saying that the Justice Department will never be allowed to pursue contempt charges initiated by Congress against White House officials once the president has invoked executive privilege.
The position presents serious legal and political obstacles for congressional Democrats, who have begun laying the groundwork for contempt proceedings against current and former White House officials in order to pry loose...