July 18, 1995 - Part 2
July 18, 1995 - Part 2
(12:00:43) The second question relates to the July 26 discovery by Mr. Neuwirth of the presence of the torn-up note in Mr. Foster's briefcase. Mr. Neuwirth reportedly blanched upon discovering it, and immediately told Mr. Nussbaum about the note's existence. So here, at long last, was the note that everybody had been looking for. A note from a highly-placed official who worked closely with the President on sensitive, nationally important matters. Why did Mr. Nussbaum wait 26 hours before telling President Clinton about the discovery of the note? Why did Mr. Nussbaum wait a total of 30 hours before telling the appropriate law enforcement officials about the discovery of the note? My concerns about Mr. Nussbaum's delay are justified, Mr. Chairman, as the Department of Justice itself has conducted an obstruction of justice investigation on these very questions. It is, therefore, my hope that these hearings will yield answers to the troubling questions that my colleagues and I have raised here this morning, and provide some resolution to the circurmstances surrounding the sad and tragic death of Mr. Foster. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The CHAIRMAN. Thank you, Senator. It was my intent to continue to move forward, as some of my colleagues have urged, with a degree of speed but not unduly, but I don't think we would be doing our job if we did not attempt to examine Mr, Hubbell and even see if we could finish with the questioning. So I'm now going to ask that Mr. Hubbell step forward for the purpose of being sworn in. [Witness sworn in.] 41 Mr. Hubbell, let me first, if I might, ask if you would identify the person sitting with you. SWORN TESTIMONY OF WEBSTER HUBBELL FORMER ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY GENERAL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Mr. HUBBELL. Yes, Sitting with me is Laura Shores, who is an attorney with the law firm of Howrey & Simon, who represented me be ore the Independent Counsel. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Hubbell, first, I would like to welcome you to the hearing, but I also think it's fair to say that we want to thank you for your cooperation, for not only appearing here voluntarily, but for voluntarily appearing in 2 days of depositions before the Committee staff, the professional staff of the Committee on both sides, to give your testimony and to give your depositions. My sense of your testimony in the depositions is that you have tried to be fair, candid, cooperative and forthcoming, and I believe that needs to be said publicly. We are particularly appreciative of your appearance during a very difficult period in your own life, and we are appreciative, once again, of your cooperation. Mr. HUBBELL, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The CHAIRMAN. Senator Sarbanes, if you would like to make any statement Senator SARBANES. I have nothing. The CHAIRMAN. -if not, 1 would ask Mr. Chertoff, Counsel to the Majority, if he would conduct his part of the review. Mr. CHERTOFF. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hubbell, welcome. Good morning. I think we're still in the morning, or actually the afternoon now. If you need me to clarify any question or you want an opportunity to talk to your attorney, let me know, we'll give you that opportunity, all right? Mr. HUBBELL. I will do so. Mr. CHERTOFF. Mr. Hubbell, would you briefly describe to the Committee your professional background and experience up until the time you came to Washington with the President in 1993. Mr. HUBBELL. OK. I graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1973 and, upon doing so, joined the Rose Law Firm, where I practiced in the litigation section of that firm until I left the firm briefly to serve as the Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1984. After I left the Supreme Court, I returned to the Rose Law Firm and stayed there until I came to Washington on January 20, 1993, primarily practicing in the litigation section for all of my career.