Boxer Asks Presidential Scholars About
Former White House Counsel's Statement that Bush Admitted to an
'Impeachable Offense'
December 19, 2005
Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
today asked four presidential scholars for their opinion on
former White House Counsel John Dean's statement that President
Bush admitted to an "impeachable offense" when he said he
authorized the National Security Agency to spy on Americans
without getting a warrant from a judge.
Boxer said, "I take very seriously Mr. Dean's comments, as I
view him to be an expert on Presidential abuse of power. I am
expecting a full airing of this matter by the Senate in the very
near future."
Boxer's letter is as follows:
On December 16, along with the rest of America, I learned
that President Bush authorized the National Security Agency to
spy on Americans without getting a warrant from a judge.
President Bush underscored his support for this action in his
press conference today.
On Sunday, December 18, former White House Counsel John
Dean and I participated in a public discussion that covered many
issues, including this surveillance. Mr. Dean, who was President
Nixon's counsel at the time of Watergate, said that President
Bush is "the first President to admit to an impeachable
offense." Today, Mr. Dean confirmed his statement.
This startling assertion by Mr. Dean is especially
poignant because he experienced first hand the executive abuse
of power and a presidential scandal arising from the
surveillance of American citizens.
Given your constitutional expertise, particularly in the
area of presidential impeachment, I am writing to ask for your
comments and thoughts on Mr. Dean's statement.
Unchecked surveillance of American citizens is troubling
to both me and many of my constituents. I would appreciate your
thoughts on this matter as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
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