Return to the USDOJ/OIG Home Page

An Investigation of the Department of Justice's Actions
in Connection with the Search for Absent Texas Legislators

August 12, 2003
Office of the Inspector General


  U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Legislative Affairs

Office of the Assistant Attorney General   Washington, D.C. 20530
MAY 16, 2003

The Honorable John Conyers, Jr.
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Congressman Conyers:

This responds to your letter, dated May 13, 2003, to the Attorney General, which expressed concern about press reports regarding the deployment of any federal law enforcement resources in connection with Texas State legislators who are working in Ardmore, Oklahoma. We understand that your letter also was addressed to the Department of Homeland Security, which will respond separately about matters within its jurisdiction.

We are not aware of any information pertinent to the Texas State legislators that would warrant action by federal law enforcement authorities, including those of the FBI. Accordingly, we have not deployed and have no plans to deploy our law enforcement resources in connection with this matter.

We hope that this information is helpful and that you will contact this office if you would like additional assistance regarding this or any other matter. We will send identical letters to the other Members who joined in your letter to us.

Sincerely,

[original signed]

William E. Moschella
Assistant Attorney General