Like she had a choice
In Reversal, Rice to Testify Before 9/11 Panel
From Associated Press
7:21 AM PST, March 30, 2004
WASHINGTON — National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice will be allowed to testify in public under oath before the commission investigating the failure to prevent the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, an administration official said today.
The official said the decision is conditioned on the Bush administration receiving assurances in writing from the commission that such a step does not set a precedent, said the official speaking on condition of anonymity. It appeared the administration already had such assurances verbally in private and is confident it will get them in writing.
White House legal counsel Alberto Gonzales has sent a letter to the commission stating that Rice is prepared to testify publicly as long as the administration receives assurances from the panel that this is not precedent setting, the official said.
Congressional leaders, the official added, have already stated that this would not be a new precedent.
