Justice Department Impedes Investigation into National Security Lapses

Senate Select Committee Chairman Christopher Cox testified Wednesday that the Justice Department had impeded his panel's investigation into national security lapses, citing interference in key employee interviews and refusals to share grand jury information. This testimony came as House and Senate Majority Leaders announced plans to tighten security at nuclear research labs through amendments to the Defense authorization bill. The Justice Department's actions have been met with criticism from Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Thompson, who promised further investigation into the matter.

Key Takeaways:

• The Justice Department interposed itself in many of the Senate Select Committee's requests to question key employees of federal agencies, hindering the investigation into national security lapses.
• Attorney General Reno was directly appealed to in order to stop the practice of thwarting the committee's investigation.
• The Justice Department refused to share insights from grand jury investigations, citing concerns over sensitive information.
• Senate Governmental Affairs Chairman Thompson described the department's actions as "outrageous," highlighting the importance of cooperation in high-stakes national security investigations.
• Thompson promised further investigation by his committee into the Justice Department's interference with the Senate Select Committee's work.
• House Majority Leader Armey and Senate Majority Leader Lott announced plans to introduce amendments to tighten security at nuclear research labs through the Defense authorization bill.

Statistics:

• The Senate Select Committee had a short deadline to complete its investigation into national security lapses.
• The committee's campaign finance investigation was also hindered by similar delaying tactics from the Justice Department.
• The Justice Department refused to cooperate with the Senate Select Committee on multiple occasions.
• The amendments to the Defense authorization bill, proposed by House and Senate Majority Leaders, aim to tighten security at nuclear research labs.

Sources:

• (CongressDaily), May 27
• Testimony of Senator Christopher Cox, Senate Select Committee Chairman, May 27