White House opposes plan for independent Sept. 11 commission

The White House Friday confirmed that it opposes a plan in Congress for an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, saying it would be too easy for the panel to issue partisan subpoenas.

According to White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, only five of the 10 members on the commission, which is to be equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, would have to vote to issue a subpoena. Fleischer said the White House is seeking a six-vote majority.

"One-party subpoenas are a formula for paralysis and politics," said Fleischer, who added that President Bush believed the matter can be worked out.

Fleischer also said the White House is insisting the sole administration appointee to the panel be made chairman, since Congress would be allowed the majority of the appointments.

Fleischer denied that the White House had reneged on a deal to establish the commission. "I think it was made clear what the positions are," Fleischer said.