We’ve posted Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan’s ruling in our document collection here.
Here’s one passage in particular I found quotable (my emphasis):
The existing broad protections of the Speech or Debate Clause â absolute immunity from prosecution or suit for legislative acts and freedom from being âquestionedâ about those acts (including privilege from the testimonial act of producing documents in response to a subpoena) â satisfy the fundamental purpose of the Clause to protect the independence of the legislature. The Court declines to extend those protections further, holding that the Speech or Debate Clause does not shield Members of Congress from the execution of valid search warrants. Congressman Jeffersonâs interpretation of the Speech or Debate privilege would have the effect of converting every congressional office into a taxpayer-subsidized sanctuary for crime. Such a result is not supported by the Constitution or judicial precedent and will not be adopted here.
