Investigators subpoena administration officials

February 7, 1996
Web posted at: 7:50 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The House committee investigating the 1993 White House travel office firings issued 28 subpoenas today to presidential aides, past and present, and to Justice Department officials. "[It's the] only avenue left to ensure that all relevant documents that I have legitimately, responsibly and repeatedly requested are produced to the Congress," (264K AIFF sound or 264K WAV sound) explained Rep. William Clinger, chairman of the Government Reform and Oversight Committee.

Despite White House claims that all documents have been delivered, Clinger says 129 pertinent documents from the travel office firings have not been turned over. The White House responded quickly, accusing Republicans of playing politics. "It's a campaign year," White House spokesman Michael McCurry told reporters. "That's what...this is all about." (231K AIFF sound or 231K WAV sound)

But congressional investigators say they have yet to establish whether White House aides and Justice Department prosecutors trumped up charges against former travel office director Billy Dale and six colleagues so that the positions could be filled by Arkansas cronies. The White House maintains the workers were fired because of financial improprieties, though all charges against the staff were subsequently dropped.

Among the administration officials subpoenaed are advisers George Stephanopoulos and Harold Ickes, lawyers Bernard Nussbaum and Neil Eggleston, and Lisa Caputo, Hillary Clinton's spokeswoman. In addition, Clinger has indicated a criminal inquiry may be launched against Hollywood producer Harry Thomason, a Clinton friend who first accused the travel staff of mismanagement.

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Investigators subpoena administration officials

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