III
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 452
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 20, 2014
Mr. Reid (for himself and Mr. McConnell) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
To authorize testimony, documents, and representation in City of Lafayette v. Bryan Benoit.
Whereas, in the case of City of Lafayette v. Bryan Benoit, Case No. CC201303991, pending in City Court in Lafayette, Louisiana, the prosecution has requested the production of testimony from two current employees in the Lafayette, Louisiana office of Senator David Vitter, and one former employee of that office;
Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, 2 U.S.C. §§ 288b(a) and 288c(a)(2), the Senate may direct its counsel to represent current and former employees of the Senate with respect to any subpoena, order, or request for testimony relating to their official responsibilities;
Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of the United States and Rule XI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may, by the judicial or administrative process, be taken from such control or possession but by permission of the Senate; and
Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may promote the administration of justice, the Senate will take such action as will promote the ends of justice consistent with the privileges of the Senate: Now, therefore, be it
That Nicole Hebert and Kathy Manuel, current employees in the Office of Senator David Vitter, and Thomas Hebert, a former employee of that office, and any other employee of the Senator’s office from whom relevant evidence may be necessary, are authorized to produce documents and provide testimony in the case of City of Lafayette v. Bryan Benoit, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted.
The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent current and former employees of Senator Vitter’s office in connection with the production of evidence authorized in section one of this resolution.