If you're called to testify before Congress

[octoberlib]

are you legally required to show up? Like being subpoenaed in court? Or can Petraeus just refuse to testify if called?

[Major Nikon]

1. It depends

For most people, you either show up or they can charge you with contempt of congress which can ultimately lead to jail time. However, if you work for the federal executive branch of government, you may be able to claim executive privilege and metaphorically invite congress to go piss up a rope.

[octoberlib]

2. Thanks for the reply nt

[Sedona]

3. Ask Karl Rove, Harriet Miers and Josh Bolton

A Senate panel found former presidential adviser Karl Rove and current White House Chief of Staff Joshua B. Bolten in contempt of Congress yesterday for refusing to testify and to turn over documents in the investigation of the firings of nine U.S. attorneys last year.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved contempt citations against Rove and Bolten on a 12 to 7 vote, rejecting the White House position that the work of two of President Bush's closest advisers is covered by executive privilege.

Earlier this year, the House Judiciary Committee cited Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet E. Miers for contempt. But action by either chamber of Congress is still weeks or months away. Lawmakers and aides said neither house will take up the issue until late January at the earliest.

More than six months ago, the Senate Judiciary Committee requested Rove's public testimony on the firings of the prosecutors and issued subpoenas for internal White House e-mails, memos and other related documents. As custodian of White House documents, Bolten was cited for his refusal to turn them over.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/13/AR2007121301736.html

[rock]

4. For your opening remark say, "Just because I showed up doesn't mean"

"I don't have contempt for Congress." (Note: this does NOT necessarily mean you have contempt for Congress.)