House Subcommittee Investigates $2 Million Damage to Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1972-12-04

A House subcommittee has opened hearings to determine responsibility for $2 million in damage to the Bureau of Indian Affairs caused by a takeover by militant Indians. White House officials involved in negotiations have refused to testify, citing executive privilege. Some subcommittee members criticize both the Indians and the executive branch for the destruction. Interior Secretary Rogers C. B. Morton defends the negotiations and disagrees that the executive branch overstepped its powers.