GOPers Pull Out of Senate Intel Committee’s CIA Torture Investigation

Just announced by committee chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.):

“I very much regret the fact that the Republican side of the Intelligence Committee has chosen not to continue to participate in the Committee’s study and investigation into the detention and interrogation of high-value detainees. However, that study and investigation is being pursued, additional staff are being hired, and the Committee is continuing the work with all due diligence.”

For a not-yet-online CQ piece, Tim Starks reports that Feinstein’s Republican counterpart, Kit Bond (R-Mo.), says the GOP pullout comes in protest of Attorney General Eric Holder’s decision to investigate torture in the now-defunct Bush-era CIA “enhanced interrogation” program:

“Had Mr. Holder honored the pledge made by the president to look forward not backwards, we would still be active participants in the committee’s review,” Missouri Republican Christopher S. Bond, vice-chairman of the Senate panel, said in an e-mailed statement. “Instead, DOJ sent a loud and clear message that previous decisions to decline prosecution mean nothing and old criminal charges can be brought anytime against anyone — against these odds, what current or former CIA employee would be willing to gamble his freedom by answering the committee’s questions?”

By definition, then, the Senate panel will produce a partisan report. But Bond has just forfeited his right to complain about that.