Congress Begs Pardon

"He decided not to testify," said a spokeswoman for the committee. The committee was holding a session titled "Implications of the National Intelligence Estimate regarding Al-Qaeda."

Good decision. Despite his unintended assistance to Clinton's campaign, Democrats on the panel were prepared to skewer Edelman for the letter. The Senate Armed Services Committee, of which the aforesaid Clinton is a member, is hoping to hear from him about redeployment on Aug. 2.

Moving Up

Buzz at the State Department is that the new assistant secretary for democracy, human rights and labor is expected to be David Kramer, now the deputy assistant for European and Eurasian affairs. He would replace Barry Lowenkron, who's leaving for the Macarthur Foundation.

At the Pentagon, word is that Adm. Gary Roughead, who was recently named commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, is the pick to become chief of naval operations, succeeding Adm. Michael Mullen, who was unexpectedly tapped to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff now that Marine Gen. Peter Pace is being ceremoniously dumped.

Proper Dress on FAA's Radar

Doug Church, spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, noting Wednesday's column on the West Wing dress code, says the Federal Aviation Administration's dress code for controllers is far more extensive and has the same aversion to flip-flops.

"The mode of attire for the workplace shall be business casual," the work rules imposed on Labor Day last year say, and "neckties shall not be mandatory in any facility." And "shoes shall be neat and clean."

Then: "Articles of inappropriate attire include, but are not limited to, jogging suits, shorts, sweats (pants, shirts, shorts), jeans, tee/tank/muscle/sleeveless shirts (for men), tee/tank/halter/tube tops (for women), and shirts with large lettering and/or slogans. Clothing having sexual connotations, written or pictured, is not permitted. Revealing, ripped or disheveled clothing of any kind is unacceptable. Hats and caps are not to be worn inside the facility. Flip-flops, flat sandals and athletic shoes are prohibited."

Well, you'd have less confidence in air safety if you saw a bunch of slobs monitoring the screens and guiding the planes. But wait a minute! Don't controllers work in mostly darkened rooms that are off-limits to the public?

Still, you never know when a member of Congress will pop in.