Bush Orders Jefferson Documents Sealed
Posted on: Thursday, 25 May 2006, 18:00 CDT
U.S. President George W. Bush has ordered that documents confiscated from the office of Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., be sealed for 45 days.
In a White House statement, Bush said he issued the order to give the Department of Justice and lawmakers a chance to work out differences.
Bush's decision Thursday comes as members of Congress complained that the FBI search of Jefferson's office violated the governmental separation of powers.
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, D-Ill., and Democratic leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., issued a statement Thursday calling for the House counsel to talk with the Department of Justice on the procedures in such searches.
Federal agents entered Jefferson's House office Saturday night and took copies of computer files and documents as part of an investigation into alleged bribery. The items taken from the office will be given to Solicitor General Paul Clement until the issue is decided, Bush said.
Officials unsealed an affidavit this week that claimed Jefferson had been videotaped taking $100,000 in bribes. FBI agents allegedly found $90,000 in a freezer in Jefferson's Washington apartment.
Jefferson, whose district includes New Orleans, has denied any wrongdoing, refused to resign any House post and promised to seek re-election in November.
Source: United Press International
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