Justice Job Considered for Ousted Prosecutor
“With the Senate poised to rein in the attorney general’s powers to appoint federal prosecutors, the Justice Department is engaged in discussions aimed at giving a new job to one of the seven U.S. attorneys dismissed without explanation on Dec. 7, according to a Capitol Hill Republican. Under fierce pressure from a Senate Republican, Justice Department officials are considering a new position for Daniel Bogden, the ousted U.S. attorney from Nevada who, agency officials explained to Congress, was dismissed in an effort to get “new energy” into the job.” (Washington Post)
Changes Sought in Naming of Prosecutors
“The Senate moved Monday to revoke authority it granted the Bush administration last year to name federal prosecutors, with Democrats accusing the administration of abusing the appointment power at the center of an escalating clash over the ouster of eight United States attorneys.” (NY Times)
US Attorney Firings Pushed By Two Up for Jobs
“Two of the major players in the ouster of federal prosecutors last year were themselves considered for U.S. attorney jobs, according to documents and interviews. Kyle Sampson, who helped orchestrate the firing of eight prosecutors as Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ chief of staff, was the Bush administration’s pick to fill Utah’s vacant U.S. attorney post last spring.” (AP)
Congressional Hearing Heats Up OVer Changes to Climate Reports
“Government scientists, armed with copies of heavily edited reports, charged Monday that the Bush administration and its political appointees had soft-pedaled their findings on climate change. To underscore their charges of the administration’s oil-friendly stance, Democrats grilled an oil lobbyist who was hired by the White House to review government climate change documents and who made hundreds of edits that the lawmakers said minimized the impact of global warming.” (LA Times)
Life After Conress
“Former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) has joined the Washington, D.C., office of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, a Pennsylvania-based law firm. But donât expect him to pound the halls of Congress lobbying even after his cooling-off period ends. Tim Ryan, the firmâs CEO, said Santorum will provide behind-the-scenes counsel to the firmâs clients on the legislative and regulatory process, but he will not make contact with government officials on behalf of clients” (Roll Call, sub. req.)
Lawmakers Seek Clarity on Earmarks
“Guidance should come today on a new House rule that bans lawmakers from having a stake in their pork. According to a new anti-corruption measure, House members who tack special spending requests, or earmarks, onto legislation must fully identify the recipient and certify in writing that neither they nor their spouses have a “financial interest” in the earmark.” (Washington Post)
FBI Issues New Rules for Getting Phone Records
“The FBI, which has been criticized for improperly gathering telephone records in terrorism cases, has told its agents they may still ask phone companies to voluntarily hand over toll records in emergencies by using a new set of procedures, officials said yesterday. In the most dire emergencies, requests can be submitted to the companies verbally, officials said.” (Washington Post)
Ex-Congressman’s Made-for-Hollywood Story is to Become a Film
“Charlie Wilson, a Texas congressman known for his foreign exploits, love of beautiful women, fun-loving lifestyle and serious legislating, always seemed to be a creation of Hollywood. Now, he is.” (McClatchy)
Congress to Probe Improper FBI Spying
“Congress wants to know how the FBI illegally or improperly gathered telephone, e-mail and financial records of Americans and foreigners while chasing terrorists. In a review of headquarters files and a sampling of just four of the FBI’s 56 field offices, the Interior General of the Justice Department found 48 violations of law or presidential directives during 2003-2005 and estimated that “a significant number of … violations throughout the FBI have not been identified or reported.” (AP)
