weis0305's MyC-SPAN

Fawn Hall testified further concerning the changing of documents. Representative Lee Hamilton then concluded the first phase of the Iran-Contra hearings by reviewing the revelations of the testimony to date.

North answers questions concerning money handling and decision making in the “enterprise,” the network of private companies used to sell arms to Iran and supply the contras. North explains the security fence at his home and his use of traveler’s checks for personal expenses. North admits to misleading Congress in order to protect the operation. Senate committee chairman Daniel Inouye makes a statement in which he points to his own record on the Senate Intelligence Committee and rebuffs North’s suggestion that members of Congress cannot be trusted with the “secrets of the land.”

Colonel Oliver North answered questions about complications in negotiations with Iranian officials. North also testified that he spoke with CIA Director Casey about the formation of an organization outside of the CIA to fund and conduct covert activities.

Questioning of Oliver North continued, with many members of the committee making statements concerning patriotism, democracy, and the lessons of the Iran-Contra affair.

North reads his opening statement, which he had not been able to read on his first day of testimony because the statement had not been made available to the committee 48 hours in advance. North continues his testimony saying that he was prepared to “take the fall” if the Iran-contra operation was exposed but that he changed his mind when criminal charges were introduced.

Oliver North was sworn in by Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI). Mr. North testified that he had authority and approval from his superiors for all his activities. He maintained that he assumed presidential approval, but did not ever receive direct approval from President Reagan.

Furthermore, North was questioned about shredding and falsifying documents. He was also questioned about soliciting donations for the contras from developing countries. North contradicted testimony from Robert McFarlane that McFarlane told NSC staff not to solicit aid from foreign countries or private sources.

The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property held a hearing on fraudulent trademarks. A panel of experts testified to the impact fraudulent trademarks have on businesses, innovation, and economic growth. They pointed to China as being one of the primary offenders who engage in applying for fraudulent trademarks, which some view as economic warfare.

Fawn Hall, Colonel Oliver North’s secretary at the National Security Council, testified concerning documents she changed, destroyed, or removed at Colonel North’s request.