Originally posted by Nemesiogiggle.
I still fail to see what they were doing asking questions in the first place.
Did something happen to bring this conference on? Some Federal Issue
that I somehow ignored? I mean, it seems that this has no context.
And what the hell r ...[text shortened]... eave such hints?
I'm totally confused about this.
Nemesio
It is "your guys" the democrats who are pushing this. didn't you notice?
Big old laugh and a snark.
The republicans are saying it is a 'witch hunt" to declare certain people as "unamerican"' like your hero McCarthy did. You remember the 'last' unamerican activities committee?
Why are your dems doing this? Snark.
Let me guess. You really didn't notice? giggle.
To clear the record, the basball players were subpoened by a Congressional Committee headed by a Republican Chairman, Davis, from Virginia. Republican Senator and ex-major league ball player, Jim Bunning also testified at the hearing and supports some kind of legislation aimed at major league baseball IF they don't adopt a steroid policy he likes. The facts are the players were compelled to be there by both Republicans and Democrats and that there is NO pending legislation regarding the issue, which is supposed to be the purpose of Congress and such hearings are supposed to be for comments regarding legislation. The hearing appear to be mostly a publicity stunt and I don't blame McGwire for not answering a bunch of questions that are none of Congress' business.
The MSN article is at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7173995/
Originally posted by no1marauderCan congress subpoena anyone they want for any reason they
To clear the record, the basball players were subpoened by a Congressional Committee headed by a Republican Chairman, Davis, from Virginia. Republican Senator and ex-major league ball player, Jim Bunning also testified at the hearing and supports some kind of legislation aimed at major league baseball IF they don't adopt a steroid policy he lik ...[text shortened]... none of Congress' business.
The MSN article is at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7173995/
contrive?
Nemesio
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3473776
Congress' little publicity stunt has accomplished its mission of getting some obscure Congressmen some TV air time. Of course, now the self-righteous are bashing Mark McGwire for refusing to answer questions that are none of the legislative branch's concern. A complete misuse of the legislative power is considered routine and acceptable while a man is pilloried for exercising his right as a free person not to answer inappropriate questions. Shameful.
McCain and Davis hit the Sunday talk shows enjoying the spotlight and threatening federal legislation concerning baseball's steroid policy. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3477742
I continue to believe this is an inappropriate exercise of Congress' powers as well as a waste of time that could be spent on more important matters. But it's a great way for the some minor league politicians to get some face time and pander to the public's disdain for sports figures (some of the few rich that actually do something of any value for their admittedly obscene pay).
Originally posted by no1marauderHey, #1, could you please answer my question(s):
McCain and Davis hit the Sunday talk shows enjoying the spotlight and threatening federal legislation concerning baseball's steroid policy. http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3477742
I continue to believe this is an inappropriate exercise of Congress' powers as well as a waste of time that could be spent on more important matters. But ...[text shortened]... (some of the few rich that actually do something of any value for their admittedly obscene pay).
Can congress subpoena anyone they want for any reason they want?
What is the basis for this power. What business do they have
interogating baseball players?
Nemesio
Originally posted by NemesioI could not find on the net any statutory or other authority for Congressional subpoena power. I know it exists, but I find it easier to find such things at a law library with different source materials. I am unsure on what authority Congress can subpoena ordinary citizens to give testimony although I know that Congress has broad power to subpoena Executive Branch and other government officials. When I get some time I will look it up.
Hey, #1, could you please answer my question(s):
Can congress subpoena anyone they want for any reason they want?
What is the basis for this power. What business do they have
interogating baseball players?
Nemesio
I found this :
2 U.S.C. § 192, a duly enacted federal statute, states:
"Every person who having been summoned as a witness by the authority of either House of Congress to give testimony or to produce papers upon any matter under inquiry before either House, or any joint committee established by a joint or concurrent resolution of the two Houses of Congress, or any committee of either House of Congress, willfully makes default, or who, having appeared, refuses to answer any question pertinent to the question under inquiry, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 nor less than $100 and imprisonment in a common jail for not less than one month nor more than twelve months."
"The congressional contempt statute requires that the documents or testimony sought be 'pertinent' to the subject under inquiry meaning, in part, that the documents or testimony sought must be related to a function constitutionally given to Congress. More importantly, the subject matter to which the documents or testimony relate must fall within the grant of authority made by the full House to the committee because the 'authority being exercised is that of the House of Representatives. It is the investigative power of the House that is vindicated by § 192. The legislative history of § 192 makes plain that a clear chain of authority from the House to the questioning body is an essential element of the offense.' Put another way "[i]f the contempt occurs before a subcommittee, the line of authority from the House to the Committee and then to the Subcommittee must plainly and explicitly appear, and it must appear in terms of a delegation with respect to a particular, specific subject matter."
Congressional rules expressly permit any subcommittee of a House Committee to hold hearings and “to require by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of . . . documents as it considers necessary.”
Compliance with a subpoena issued by a subcommittee may be enforced as authorized by the House.
A contempt of Congress may be prosecuted, following a referral from the House, by the U.S. Attorney pursuant to 2 U.S.C. § 192.
"The House has the inherent authority to punish for contempt through arrest by the Sergeant-at-Arms, Anderson v. Dunn, 19 U.S. (6 Wheat) 204 (1821), which may be challenged by writ of habeas corpus, United States v. Fort, 443 F.2d 670, 676 (D.C. Cir. 1979), cert. denied, 403 U.S. 932. Neither house has used the inherent power since 1934, and the House last used it in 1917. Marshall v. Gordon, 243 U.S. 521 (1917)."
Nyxie