Fielding to return to White House post

WASHINGTON — President Bush has chosen Fred Fielding, the top lawyer in the Reagan administration, to be his White House counsel.

The announcement will be made today, according to a Bush administration official who requested anonymity because the appointment had not been made.

Fielding will become Bush's counsel just as Democrats plan deeper scrutiny of the administration. From the Iraq war to environmental policy, the Democrats who now control both the House and Senate are armed with subpoena power and ready to summon panels of witnesses.

Fielding, a longtime Washington lawyer, will replace Harriet Miers, who submitted her resignation Thursday.

Fielding served as President Reagan's counsel from 1981 to 1986, and one of his assistants was John Roberts, now the chief justice of the Supreme Court. Under President Nixon, Fielding served as deputy White House counsel from 1972 to 1974 and associate counsel from 1970 to 1972.

"Fred Fielding's been in the White House before and he understands how the place works, which is very important," said Leonard Leo, executive vice president of the Federalist Society, who informally advises the White House on legal matters. "He understands how the Hill works, which is important. And he has widespread respect from all points on the spectrum."

Material from The Washington Post is included in this report.