Gannongate Swinging Open? New Move in Congress for Info

By: E&P Staff Gannongate may be opening a little wider soon.

For two weeks, several Democratic members of Congress have pressed the White House, the Secret Service, the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security for information about just how GOPUSA/Talon News reporter James Guckert was able to attend briefings and presidential press conferences for two years under the alias James Gannon, on behalf of an openly partisan organization. Guckert has also been linked to sex sites and a male escort operation.

Today, ranking members for House committees on Rules, Judiciary, Government Reform, Homeland Security and Ways and Means submitted a Resolution of Inquiry, which would require the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security to turn over all documentation regarding Guckert's access to the White House day after day for two years.

"We cannot allow the White House to stonewall the United States Congress and the American people on an issue of such importance,? said Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY). ?Every day more questions are raised and so far, the White House is not providing any answers. We intend to find out what the White House is hiding."

Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich) said: "We had hoped that the half dozen congressional and senate requests for information would have been sufficient. We hope that this resolution gets to the bottom of whether any processes were abused in favoring Mr. Guckert.?

The resolution must be considered by the Judiciary Committee within 14 legislative days and, unless blocked by the Republicans on the committee, will be put before the full House for consideration.