Pompeo rejects Congress' subpoenas for IG, Biden probe info

[Nevilledog]

https://apnews.com/dbdeb5089c20812f953fb02e7c509b39

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday rejected congressional subpoenas issued for him and for the State Department to provide information and testimony to lawmakers about two politically charged developments. The refusals set the stage for an escalation in the confrontation between the State Department and the Democratic-controlled House ahead of November’s elections.

In letters sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Pompeo and the State Department’s acting legislative affairs chief said they had no intention of complying with the subpoenas. They said the subpoenas were politically motivated, without merit, and unnecessary as the information and testimony could be otherwise obtained. The letters were obtained by The Associated Press shortly after they were sent to Capitol Hill.

While congressional subpoenas are legally binding, the Trump administration through various Cabinet agencies has repeatedly refused to comply with House demands with little consequence. There was no immediate response to the letters from the committee, although the panel later announced it was seeking testimony from another official in an unrelated matter.

In one letter, Pompeo said committee chairman, Rep. Eliot Engel of New York, was out of line in issuing the subpoenas, which he said were “outrageous” and ignored the State Department’s good faith efforts to answer questions about the firing of the department’s inspector general and the provision of Ukraine-related documents to Republican-controlled Senate committees.

*snip*

[Tripper11]

1. So can we all do this then?

Seems to be the republican way, break laws, don't be held to account, get called to testify or provide documents, just say no.
Straight up middle finger to the rule of law, the constitution and basic human decency.

FUCK THEM - VOTE THEM ALL OUT!!!

[SheltieLover]

2. My 1st thought too!

Lock his fkn nasty ass up & toss the key.

[malaise]

3. Cut the funds to his department

It's that simple. Dems need to get tough

[CanonRay]

6. Order the Sergeant at Arms

to drag his ass out of his office.

[triron]

9. Dismal outlook but maybe it's right.

I am dismayed with the weakness shown in congress to do anything about this shit.

A traitor and his traitorous minions have been allowed to screw our democracy. All that is used against this are paper threats.

[blueinredohio]

11. Agree a gazillion percent.

[Volaris]

4. Biden is going to have to go find a microphone on his first day in office,

And state so clearly that even trumps voters can understand:

If you do not comply with a legal subpoena, you will be jailed. THE END.

[DavidDvorkin]

5. "While congressional subpoenas are legally binding" Nope. Not any longer.

The Trump administration has set that precedent in stone now.

[Nexus2]

7. At this point is anyone really surprised?

Anyone? Raise your hands

[smirkymonkey]

10. Fuck these guys.

Cut the purse strings. It's the only power we have right now.

[jalan48]

12. Republicans' know they face zero consequences for ignoring subpoenas.

[abqtommy]

13. Hey Pompeous! Look out your window at me and all the other people who you've pissed off and

who know where you live...