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July 26, 2005

To the Editors,

On July 9, 2004 the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (the "WMD Commission") released the first report of their investigation placing the blame for intelliegence failures on the CIA. In the news conference Sen. Roberts noted that investigating how the Bush White House used the intelligence was part of Phase two which would occur after the 2004 elections.

On March 10, 2005 Sen. Roberts said of phase two, "[T]hat is basically on the back burner." [2]

On March 31, 2005 Sen. Roberts wrote "I don't think there should be any doubt that we have now heard it all regarding prewar intelligence. I think that it would be a monumental waste of time to replow this ground any further." [3]

I learned that the committee plans to conduct hearings to "...review the probe of special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, who has been investigating the Plame case for nearly two years." [4]

According to staffers I spoke with in Senators Roberts's and Rockefeller's offices Sen. Roberts, as Committee Chairman, sets the Committee's agenda and schedule. At this time there are no plans to persue Phase 2 as promised.

At the risk of being called cynical it appears to me that Sen. Roberts is using the the SSCI to help the Bush Administration avoid accountability, both for the Iraq War as well as the Plame leak.

[1] News Conference on Senate Intelligence Committee Report, New York Times, July 9, 2004.

[2] Roberts calls for constant change in intel, Shaun Waterman, UPI, March 10, 2005.

[3] Senator Roberts Remarks On The WMD Commission Report, March 31, 2005.

[4] Congress plans to scrutinize Plame-related issues, David Morgan, Reuters, July 25, 2005.