Speech #890004622

Rule 26(m) of the House rules requires the hearing of a congressional committee to be in executive session if the committee determines that evidence or testimony at any investigative hearing may tend to defame. degrade. or incriminate any other person. but I pointed out to your counsel. and I point out to you. that both of these rules do not restrict the right of a committee of Congress to hold executive sessions. I might say to you that there are some aspects of national security involved in this hearing. but it is not necessary to determine whether or not the national security would be endangered if you were heard in public session. and we have not determined that. and still deny your request for a public session. We are here investigating the administration of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. and in particular the admission of inadmissible aliens to the United States under the waiver provisions of section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I would say to you that there are many reasons why this hearing should be executive. They were discussed by me in full before the committee in executive session.