Senators seek help from Bush on Ridge's refusal to give testimo

WASHINGTON -- Two senators asked President Bush on Friday for a meeting to discuss Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge's refusal to testify before Congress.

One of the senators went even further in the latest chapter in the dispute over the control of information that has pitted lawmakers from both parties against the White House.

Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., linked answers from Ridge to the speed Congress could write next year's defense bill. In a speech in North Carolina on Friday, Bush said he expects lawmakers to make passage of his military request "the first order of business so we can plan for this war."

"To those who ask Congress for quick action, we say we need answers to questions," Byrd said in an interview. "And the results will be faster and forthcoming if Congress can have answers to its questions from people like Mr. Ridge."

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe would not say whether Bush would meet with the senators. He said Byrd has so far rebuffed administration efforts to negotiate the dispute.

"We're seeking ways to meet any legitimate congressional need for information from Gov. Ridge with the president's need to be able to receive confidential advice," Johndroe said.

Early this month, Ridge rejected an initial request from Byrd and Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, top Republican on the Appropriations Committee, that he testify before the panel. White House officials say Ridge is only an adviser to Bush, not a head of an agency that implements policy.

The two branches have also clashed over which business executives advised Vice President Dick Cheney's energy task force, and a lack of familiarity on Capitol Hill with Bush's secret dispatching of federal officials outside Washington in case an attack incapacitates the government.

In their letter to Bush, Byrd and Stevens said they want more information on the administration's request that spending on domestic security double next year to $38 billion. They said Ridge has more power than the ordinary presidential adviser, coordinating spending by more than 80 federal agencies.

"We request the opportunity to meet with you to explain our intentions directly, in order to perform our oversight functions while respecting your views on the appropriate role and prerogatives of the executive branch," the senators wrote.

White House officials have said Ridge has given closed-door briefings to lawmakers. But in the interview, Byrd said he has not requested or received one.

"What is there about this that is so secretive?" Byrd said. "Why shouldn't he appear before the committee that appropriates money and answer questions asked of him by the peoples' representatives?"

Byrd said such portions of such a meeting could be closed to the public if the information was sensitive.

"The president said he wanted to change the tone in Washington. And this is the same old tone, or worse, denying the right of Congress to have information it needs to do its work," Byrd said.

Asked if he would subpoena Ridge to testify, Byrd said, "I hope it never comes to anything like that. I'm not seeking confrontation."

Byrd also contested Bush's statement that quickly approving the defense budget would show Congress understands that the war against terrorism will be a long, hard effort. Bush has requested a $48 billion increase that would bring next year's Pentagon budget to $379 billion, which would be one of the biggest defense boosts in years.

He noted that Congress approved an emergency $40 billion package for use against terrorism three days after the Sept. 11 attacks.

"Congress will be there, and we don't have to have instructions from anybody," Byrd said.

"But at the same time, Congress will not issue a blank check, especially when there is adequate time to determine if and when the check is needed," he said, adding, "It is not unpatriotic to ask questions."