Republicans in Congress blocked a no-confidence vote this week in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales over his handling of the firing of eight US Attorneys, but the controversy continues. The House Judiciary Committee issued subpoenas today to two former White House aides. Judiciary committee chair John Conyers (D-MI) explained the reasoning behind the subpoenas here:

I consider these subpoenas to be essential because the evidence our investigation has uncovered points to the pivotal role the White House played in the U.S. Attorney firings. We have only sought to compel cooperation through subpoenas after more than three months of stonewalling by the White House.

I had hoped that the White House would be more forthcoming in assisting our investigation. Unfortunately, this subpoena provided the only legal means for the American people, through their elected representatives, to find out how their government functions.

This subpoena represents a very serious step by Congress not to be taken lightly. Defiance or failure to comply would run counter to the checks and balances that are the foundation of our constitution and democratic government.

BlogHers are watching closely.

Emptywheel notes that the Justice Department is still holding on to e-mails that Congressional investigators have asked for, and wonders:

What are the emails that they're still refusing to turn over. After all, although the emails they had previously withheld are embarrassing and outline the White House's intimate involvement in the purge, they're still not that damning. So what is it that they're still keeping hidden?

Maha ponders the dilemma that this situation presents to the Republicans:

The interesting question here is not what Bush will do about it, or even what Democrats will do about it. It’s what Republicans in Congress will do about it. Most people realized the emperor is naked a long time ago. However, the GOP and news media are holding up a fig leaf to maintain some semblance of dignity and respect for the Creature and his administration. Who will be first to drop the fig leaf? Yes, Senate Republicans defended Alberto Gonzales yesterday, but they were holding their noses as they did so.

So what do you think? Do you have confidence in the Attorney General? Do you think that former White House aides should be compelled to testify before Congress about their roles in the firing of the eight US Attorneys?