Can a U.S. President Hide Its Plans from Congress Under Our Constitution?

Question

Congressman Denied Access To Post-Attack Continuity Plans
Newhouse News Service

Tuesday 24 July 2007

Washington - Constituents called Rep. Peter DeFazio's office, worried there was a conspiracy buried in the classified portion of a White House plan for operating the government after a terrorist attack.

As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, DeFazio, D-Ore., is permitted to enter a secure "bubbleroom" in the Capitol and examine classified material. So he asked the White House to see the secret documents.

On Wednesday, DeFazio got his answer: DENIED.

"I just can't believe they're going to deny a member of Congress the right of reviewing how they plan to conduct the government of the United States after a significant terrorist attack," DeFazio said.

Homeland Security Committee staffers told his office that the White House initially approved his request, but it was later quashed. DeFazio doesn't know who did it or why.

"We're talking about the continuity of the government of the United States of America," DeFazio said. "I would think that would be relevant to any member of Congress, let alone a member of the Homeland Security Committee."

Bush administration spokesman Trey Bohn declined to say why DeFazio was denied access: "We do not comment through the press on the process that this access entails. It is important to keep in mind that much of the information related to the continuity of government is highly sensitive."

Norm Ornstein, a legal scholar who studies government continuity at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said he "cannot think of one good reason" to deny access to a member of Congress who serves on the Homeland Security Committee.

"I find it inexplicable and probably reflective of the usual knee-jerk overextension of executive power that we see from this White House," Ornstein said.

Answer 1

The fact is, our great democracy is run by one man and his advisors. Some do well with this type of power, while others are controlled.

And if our elected politicians in Congress want information, the president can do anything he wants.

In other words, George Bush is unaccountable to anyone. Frightening, isn't it.

Answer 2

He's not supposed to, which is why the government has all those reporting and information requirements--for which Bush is claiming "executive privilege" past the point of abuse.

Answer 3

They have their secrets. This is our country and congress should be privy to all information. The people shouldn't know everything but someone should watch the executive branch.

Answer 4

Not legally.

But the laws have never stopped Bush before.