Sen. Patrick Leahy's (D-VT) on March 4, 2009 had a hearing on exploring the possibilities of setting up a nonpartisan Truth Commission, dealing with setting up a nonpartisan 'commission of inquiry' into national security abuses over the last eight years. He has the usual set of supporters-- a variety of civil libertarians, some corners of the military and human rights advocates.
Leahy said the commission could be imbued with subpoena powers and even the power to grant immunity to those who agree to testify. But he also warned that the commission would not rule out criminal prosecutions for witnesses who perjure themselves.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) said "It is distinctly in the public interest for this information to come out," adding that some conduct of Bush appointees may have been so "abhorrent" as to merit criminal investigations.
Leahy said the commission could be imbued with subpoena powers and even the power to grant immunity to those who agree to testify. But he also warned that the commission would not rule out criminal prosecutions for witnesses who perjure themselves.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) said "It is distinctly in the public interest for this information to come out," adding that some conduct of Bush appointees may have been so "abhorrent" as to merit criminal investigations.
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