Boehner backs Bush on Libby sentence

What House Minority Leader John Boehner of West Chester said:



“The President’s decision on Mr. Libby was the right one, and I believe it ensures that the interests of justice and fairness are both served. Given the fact that the prosecutor in this case never charged any individual with breaking the law with regard to the disclosure of Valerie Plame’s name to the media, I agree with the President that the sentence was excessive and support his decision to commute Mr. Libby’s prison sentence.”



Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said:

“Comments by Leader Boehner and Congressman Blunt supporting the President’s decision to commute Scooter Libby’s sentence serves as a reminder that House Republicans refuse to hold their own accountable. A jury found Mr. Libby guilty of lying and obstructing a federal investigation. A judge then sentenced him to prison. But true to form, the House Republican leadership is lining up behind the President’s decision to shield Mr. Libby from accountability.

“The American people expect anyone who breaks the law to be held accountable, including public officials. Unfortunately, the President and House Republicans believe there are exceptions.”