Daschle Threatens Ridge Subpoena Over Spending

The Senate is considering subpoenaing Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge to compel his testimony about President Bush’s domestic security spending request, said Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

Daschle said he would like the White House to drop its opposition to Ridge’s appearance. A Bush spokesman expressed hope for a “satisfactory resolution” that would get lawmakers the necessary information.

The Bush administration has said Ridge has privately briefed lawmakers but that the president’s immediate staff typically does not testify to Congress.