U.S. panel authorizes subpoena of Cheney aide

By Thomas Ferraro

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Democratic-led U.S. congressional panel on Tuesday authorized a subpoena of Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff in its probe of possible U.S. torture of suspected terrorists.

House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers of Michigan was expected to move within days to subpoena David Addington, who the administration maintains is immune from being required to testify to Congress.

If Addington refuses to show up, a court fight is likely, but it may not be resolved until after President George W. Bush and Cheney end their terms in January and leave office.

Regardless, Conyers pushed ahead.

"The administration's use of harsh interrogation methods -- with approval of the Justice Department and other administration lawyers -- requires the strictest scrutiny and oversight," Conyers said.

"In the view of the many reports that Mr. Addington played a key role in shaping interrogation policy and drafting legal memos on the subject, it is very important to hear from him," Conyers said.

Without debate, a subcommittee of Conyers' panel approved a resolution authorizing him to subpoena Addington.

Cheney spokeswoman Megan Mitchell said: "We have not yet received a subpoena. Once we do, we will review and respond accordingly."