On CSPAN3 and via the Committee website (though the latter didn’t work for me).
The two big issues will be the new guidelines for FBI investigations–which may allow racial profile–as well as the laughable case the FBI made that Bruce Ivins was the sole killer in the anthrax attack.
In an opening stated, Jerrold Nadler revealed that the FBI would not give staffers on HJC the new guidelines–they were able to see the guidelines, but not keep a copy. Nadler made a back-handed suggestion that the FBI had done so to prevent Congress from providing influence on those guidelines.
Mueller says the new guidelines are in the process of implementation and says they have [with emphasis] been briefed to HJC’s staff.
I guess input would be too much to ask.
Mueller on Ivins: "Special concern for the victims of the mailings … provide special information … included information about science developed for the investigation…. developed for the investigation … we have initiated discussions with National Academy of Sciences to undertake a review of the scientific approach … have provided as much information as we can."
Conyers starts out impatient: This has been months we’ve been trying to get a response to the seven questions I put to you."
Mueller: I’ve always made myself available … when it comes to QFRs, it goes through review and there is some delay. We worked to get to it back to you as soon as we could yesterday. We do our level best to get you responses as soon as we can. I will also sit down and discuss issues that may be on your mind.
Conyers talking about a raid conducted by 200 officers to find out who paid for the Cuyahoga County Dem Chair’s driveway paving. Mueller will get back to Conyers.
Nadler: Congratulations for your role in standing up against abuse of power [referring to Gellman’s exceprts of Angler]. In understanding bottom line of investigation and how accurate we can take it to be, it’s important to understand murder weapons: contained silica. Some observers say it may have been sophisticated additive, requires special expertise, former boss of Ivins says he did not have. Briefing last month, govt scientists say anthrax contained no additives. Scientists say a percentage higher than 1/2 of 1 percent has never been found naturally. What was the percentage of weight of silicon?
Mueller: I’d have to get back to you.
Nadler: You can tell us what that percentage was. Only handful of facilities having the expertise to make such a power–CIA contractor in OH. Were those facilities ever a target in investigation?
Mueller: You can assume we looked at every laboratory that had both type of Ames anthrax and individuals capable of undertaking drying of anthrax.
Nadler: And addition of silica, if that turns out to be the case. Why zero in on Detrick?
Mueller: Would have to get back to you. We developed morphology used in letters. That led to identifying the vial that was labeled RMR1029 found in Ivins’ laboratory. Clear identification of the anthrax in the letters that was in the vial. That in and of itself would give you one means of eliminating the others. We traced all the anthrax distributed from that vial.
Nadler: Do you agree there may be need of independent review of evidence, would bureau cooperate, what downsides could there be?
Mueller: Will request National Academy of Science to review it. Independent review.
Nadler: Get back to us with percentage of silica and why these other facilities ruled out.
Bobby Scott: Abusing your right to vote. Something FBI would have an interest in?
Mueller: With DOJ, we would examine.
Scott: Mortgage fraud, looking at individuals, or the systematic problem?
Mueller: Local level, 24 investigations at corporate level, misstatement of assets. 500 indictments. 1400 cases of local variety, 24 of corporate variety.
Maxine Waters and Conyers are trying to hammer on who would investigate the vote-caging using lists of foreclosures.
Artur Davis: SCOTUS hasn’t ever ruled on basis for police encounter v. basis for investigation.
Well, that wasn’t all that interesting. I’d imagine Pat Leahy’s hearing on oversight tomorrow will be a bunch more interesting.