Panel Seeks to Force Ridge Testimony
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WASHINGTON — Frustrated by Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge’s refusal to testify before Congress, a committee of the Democratic-led Senate approved legislation Wednesday to require him to do so.
On a party-line 7-3 vote, the Governmental Affairs Committee sent to the full Senate a bill to elevate Ridge’s White House office to a Cabinet-level department, making it accountable to Congress.
The measure also would give Ridge budget authority over a number of federal agencies as he moves to bolster security in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.
The Senate Appropriations Committee also approved a spending bill Wednesday aimed at compelling Ridge to testify.
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