All thirteen subpoenaed congressmembers refuse to provide documents, testimony in bribery case

A subpoena-happy Congress isn't happy about receiving subpoenas of their own.

Acting on advice of the House general counsel, all 13 members of Congress who have been subpoenaed for documents and testimony by the lawyer for a man accused of bribing jailed former Congressman Rep. Duke Cunningham will refuse to comply.

The subpoenas were issued for "documents and testimony" by the lawyer for Brent Wilkes, a defense contractor named in Cunningham's case. Cunningham pled guilty and is serving eight years in prison.

Five lawmakers received subpoenas for documents and testimony: House Armed Services Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO), House Intelligence Chairman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX); Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA); House Defense Appropriations Chairman John Murtha (D-PA); and ranking House Appropriations Republican Jerry Lewis (R-CA).

Other members were served subpoenas requesting only testimony.

Among them were: House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO), erstwhile House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI); Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Rep John Doolittle (R-CA), Rep. Jerry Weller (R-IL), and Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA).

A spokesman for for Rep. Hunter told RAW STORY by email Tuesday that Hunter had been advised by House General Counsel that the subpoena was "inconsistent with the precedents and privileges of the House." Hunter is the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee and a candidate for president.

"Congressman Hunter intends to continue consulting with House Counsel on this matter and will proceed according to their judgment," Kasper said.

Calls to Wilkes' lawyer, Mark Geragos, were not returned. Geragos has represented myriad high-profile clients, among them Michael Jackson and former Rep. Gary Condit (D-CA).

What the documents entail is a mystery. According to Roll Call, "the Members could not respond because it was unclear what the subpoenas are seeking."

Wilkes heads to court in October for bribery and conspiracy charges. He stands accused of doling out hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gifts and favors, including meals, travel, boat trips and antiques -- as well as the services of prostitutes -- to Cunningham.

Among the items he lavished Cunningham included: $525,000 to pay off a mortgage, $100,000 in cash, two fiberglass-hulled Sea-Doo Speedster watercraft, an inflatable jet dock, trips to Las Vegas; Coeur D'Alene, Idaho; Key Largo, Fla, use of a corporate jet, GPS navigational system for yacht, a hotel suite in Hawaii and the use of two prostitutes.

(Editor's note: Article referred to wrong number in headline before correction)



