By Keith Koffler, CongressDailyPM
© National Journal Group Inc.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

The White House today told congressional leaders it would allow interviews with White House political adviser Karl Rove, former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and two other aides but would not allow them to testify under oath about the firings of eight U.S. attorneys.

In a letter from White House Counsel Fred Fielding to Senate Judiciary Chairman Leahy and House Judiciary Chairman Conyers, Fielding said the interviews would be conducted privately by a "limited number" of lawmakers and staffers from both chambers. Fielding said the interviews would be done without "the need for an oath, transcript, subsequent testimony or the subsequent issuance of subpoenas." Fielding's letter also said the White House agreed to turn over limited correspondence about the fired prosecutors between the White House and the Justice Department and the White House and members of Congress and other third parties. The decision is expected to be met with criticism from lawmakers of both parties.