Top Bush aide cited for contempt of Congress

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee today voted contempt of Congress citations Wednesday against White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and Harriet Miers, President George W. Bush's former legal counselor.

The 22-17 vote which would sanction the pair for failure to comply with subpoenas on the firings of several federal prosecutors advanced the citation to the full House.

Washington sources say the full House will likely take up the citations after Congress' August recess.

Bolten and Miers refused to honour subpoenas the committee issued as part of its investigation of the firing of eight federal prosecutors.

Bush has claimed executive privilege in the matter, saying current and former aides have immunity from the subpoenas.

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