WASHINGTON, March 31 (UPI) -- No time has been set for U.S. national security adviser Condoleezza Rice to testify publicly on administration anti-terror efforts, officials said Wednesday.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan noted the congressional panel probing the events surrounding the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington was not meeting this week, but "we would prefer it (the appearance) happen as soon as possible."
President George W. Bush, in a policy reversal, agreed Tuesday for Rice to publicly testify under oath to the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States despite concerns over separation of powers issues.
Bush said Wednesday the events of Sept. 11, 2001, were so unique he was prepared to waive his constitutional concerns after the panel gave written assurances Rice's appearance would not be taken as precedent.
Rice appeared privately before the commission for four hours in February. Her public testimony follows accusations that the administration did not do enough to prevent the 2001 terrorist attacks and then misfocused on Iraq.
Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney have agreed to answer questions in private for the full commission, but not under oath.
