Congress explores blanket immunity for Rove

AP, WASHINGTON - Democratic Congressional leaders have responded to Bush administration advisor Karl Rove's refusal to obey a congressional subpoena by proposing legislation that would render him immune from prosecution for any crimes he may have committed or may commit in the future.

The bill, expected to land in committee next Monday, has been named the Duty and Honor Act.

"We are a nation of laws," said sponsor Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), "By exempting Mr. Rove from these laws, this legislation will ensure that no lawbreakers in this corrupt administration will go unpunished, as they will have committed no crimes."

The bill is expected to enjoy wide bipartisan support.

"In the wake of 9/11, our president deserved the unquestioning support of good patriots on his cabinet, his staff, and his ranks of corporate cronies, and now those patriotic Americans deserve our support," said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).  "This bill will put aside partisan rancor, and is a healthy first step for the Democratic Congress, who needs to restore America's faith in its motives and methods."

In a statement issued from the G8 economic conference, President Bush indicated conditional support for the bill.  "I think it's the start of a good compromise, but I caution Nancy Pelosi to ensure that the House forward to the Senate a bill that protects our men and women in uniform by issuing the same blanket immunity to all members of my cabinet."

Pelosi's office issued a brief statement that read, only, "Speaker Pelosi appreciates President Bush's opinion on the matter, but reserves the right to do exactly as he says.  And maybe throw in a little extra something-something."

Karl Rove, reached via cell phone on the golf course, indicated his support for the measure.  "I've said all along I didn't do squat.  This proves it once and for all.  Now watch this drive."