relevant in this inquiry. de depositions in general are interviews under oath. but congress, the way it has the power to conduct depositions before a trial, even if this isn't under oath and a transcript isn't being taken, even if it's just an interview under house rules, that's still subject to prosecution for a false statement. but whether it's -- >> so you're still not free to lie. >> never. >> can you claim the same protections? can you plead the fifth? can you refuse to answer things? >> can you. typically in judicial-type depositions you don't have a judge present, you don't have anyone to dispute or resolve an issue if the lawyers get into an argument. so in this kind of deposition it's an interesting thing because these people may invoke the fifth amendment, may refuse to answer questions but where do you go for a ruling? >> no one to do anything about it. >> but they are sworn and a complete transcript is taken of the proceedings.