Gonzales testimony postponed
Senate Democrats postponed Atty. Gen. Alberto R. Gonzales’ first chance to testify in his own defense over the firings of eight federal prosecutors.
The decision to shelve next week’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the budget for the Justice Department frustrated the White House, which wanted Gonzales to give lawmakers his side of the story amid calls for his resignation.
The delay means Gonzales won’t appear publicly on Capitol Hill until April 17 -- an appearance even Republicans were describing as “make or break” -- to testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing into the firings.
White House spokesman Tony Fratto called the delay disappointing. Justice Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said it was regrettable.
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