U.S. Panel Authorizes Subpoena Of Cheney Aide

By REUTERS

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Democratic-led U.S. congressional panel voted on Tuesday to authorize its chairman to subpoena Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff in its probe of possible U.S. torture of suspected terrorists.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, may issue a subpoena as early as Wednesday for David Addington, who the administration maintains is immune from being required to testify.

If Addington refuses to show up, a court fight is likely, but it may not be resolved until after President George W. Bush and Cheney end their terms in January and leave office.

Despite that likelihood, Nadler, chairman of the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, pushed for a possible confrontation.

"Congress has the prerogative and duty to demand the truth," Nadler said. "Torture is un-American and yet it has been used by this government."

Without debate, his panel approved a resolution authorizing a subpoena of Addington on a voice vote.

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