Condi May Reject Subpoena

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice may refuse to abide by a subpoena issued by a congressional committee. Rice considers it a separation of powers issue:

"I addressed these questions, almost the same questions, during my confirmation hearing," she said. "This is an issue that has been answered and answered and answered."

Rice noted that she had been serving as President Bush's national security adviser during the period covered by the panel's questions and stressed the administration's position that presidential aides not confirmed by the Senate cannot be forced to testify before Congress under the doctrine of executive privilege.

Rice said she will respond to the committee via letter.