Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Sen. Specter Issues Subpoena Warning

Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said he would consider using subpoenas to compel federal agents to appear before Senate hearings on their actions during a deadly standoff outside a white separatist’s home in Idaho. Allegations of a cover-up at the FBI hang over hearings that open this week before a subcommittee chaired by Specter. Asked on CBS-TV’s “Face the Nation” if he would force federal agents to testify, Specter said: “I hope they’ll come voluntarily but if they don’t, they don’t. They’ll be subpoenaed.” Three people were slain during the August, 1992, standoff outside the home of separatist Randy Weaver.