Question for DUers re: Comey and Sessions investilgation

[lillypaddle]

Nunes said that Comey isn't answering the questions they need answers to, and they might have to get a subpoena. How can Comey refuse to answer certain questions?

[BumRushDaShow]

1. He can claim Executive Privilege

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/when-presidents-invoke-executive-privilege/

Like Shrub did to keep Ham Rove from testifying about Gonzo's U.S. Attorney massacre.

[nycbos]

2. But these actions occurred before he was President.

How would executive privilege apply?

[BumRushDaShow]

6. Doesn't matter

Drumpf is President now but controls certain departments that might handle info that Comey is using.... And Comey is under him (although supposedly "independent&quot . Comey might also insist that stuff is still "under investigation" and cannot be revealed or they could try to do another closed-door "classified" briefing (non-public)...

We are in some major choppy uncharted waters.

[lillypaddle]

7. Does that mean

trump could compel Comey to answer? Not that he would, mind you.

[BumRushDaShow]

9. Not really because the FBI is supposed to be "independent"

and yup, he wouldn't ask him anyway.

People might recall when J. Edgar Hoover ran the FBI and had dirt on everyone, including Presidents who might remove him. Eventually Congress put a term limit on the position (and Congress actually waived that when Mueller was in charge during the latter part of Obama's first term).

More on the FBI Director position - http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/2016/10/how-independent-is-the-fbis-director/

[lillypaddle]

11. Great link

thanks.

[RealityChik]

8. That's why Trump kept him

What better way to keep the truth under wraps! If he'd been removed from his post, he'd have been required by law to tell all. Very convenient. I wonder if Baby Trump thought of that all by his tiny-hand self?

[BumRushDaShow]

10. If anything, the place is like this though

I expect there are some pissed off folks in there.

[nycbos]

13. Ok

Thanks for the explanation.

[lillypaddle]

4. Thanks for the info. nt

[PoliticAverse]

3. Comey is head of the FBI, part of the executive branch. He doesn't work directly for Congress. n/t

[lillypaddle]

5. Thanks

This stuff gets complicated.

[MedusaX]

12. Guilty parties ....

Comey may find it difficult to share information with a committee if one/some/several of the members are the subject of that information........

So, tis likely that some of the Repugs in the House Intelligence Committee are being investigated...