U.S. Senate actions to require testimony or document production

The U.S. Senate has the right to authorize testimony and document production by current and former Senate staff members. In these cases, the chamber often authorizes legal representation for staff members. This page deals with these efforts.

Steven M. Dettlebach
In March 2007, an FBI attorney requested that the Senate Judiciary Committee require a declaration from Steven M. Dettlebach, a former FBI attorney detailed to the Judiciary Committee. The declaration was required in the administrative proceedings of George A. Runkle, Jr. On March 22, the Senate passed by unanimous consent a resolution (S.RES.119), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), requiring this declaration.

Staff members for Sen. Domenici
On March 27, 2007, the Senate passed by unanimous consent a resolution (S.RES.128) authorizing staff members for Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) to testify and produce documents in the case of The United States v. Philip G. Balcombe, Sans G. Coonan, John S. Dear, Jan Lustig, Michella A Marusa, Martin J. Ryan, Eleanore M Vouselas and Brunno Keller.

Staff members for Sen. Stevens
On April 13, 2007, the Senate passed by unanimous consent a resolution (S.RES.129) forcing staff members for Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to testify and produce documents required in the case of State of Alaska v. Robert S Mulford and Don G. Muller. Further, the Senate Legal Counsel was directed to represent the staff members. The authorization was given in the “interest of promoting the administration of justice.”

Senate Finance Committee
On April 10, the Senate passed by unanimous consent a resolution (S.RES.140) authorizing the Senate Legal Counsel to represent the Senate Committee on Finance in a case involving the Justice Department.

Resources

 * TheWeekInCongress