McClellan To Testify About CIA Leak

Former White House press secretary Scott McClellan has agreed to testify next week before the House Judiciary Committee about his assertions that top Bush administration officials misled him about their role in the leak of the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson.

In his new book, "What Happened," McClellan writes that then-White House political adviser Karl Rove and then-vice presidential chief of staff I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby deceived him about their involvement in the leak -- prompting him to pass on inaccurate information to reporters.

The disclosure drew the attention of Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.). He has expressed particular interest in McClellan's assertion that he had been directed by then-White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card Jr. to vouch for Libby's lack of involvement, as he had for Rove.

"I have extended an invitation to Mr. McClellan to testify before the Judiciary Committee after discussions between committee staff and his attorneys," Conyers said. "In his book, Mr. McClellan suggests that senior White House officials may have obstructed justice and engaged in a coverup regarding the Valerie Plame leak. This alleged activity could well extend beyond the scope of the offenses for which Scooter Libby has been convicted and deserves further attention."

Michael and Jane Tigar, who are representing McClellan, said in a statement: "We confirm that Mr. McClellan will appear before the House Committee on the Judiciary and will answer questions as outlined in the Chairman's invitation. He will also make a statement about the policy proposals he presents in his book."

The Judiciary Committee staff expects the former press secretary to appear June 20.