It's been almost a year since the controversy unfolded over the politically motivated firing of at least nine United States attorneys.

Since then, we've seen the departure, thankfully, of then-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, a new law passed that requires Senate confirmation of these appointed attorneys and fresh guidelines requiring tighter restrictions aimed at limiting contact between the White House and the Department of Justice.

That's all good. But what's needed now is the completion of a comprehensive investigation into how these firings occurred and, if misconduct is found, proper sanctions for those involved.

A Congressional panel rejected the Bush administration's continued claims that the high-ranking officials subpoenaed to testify in hearings do not need to cooperate, citing executive privilege. Several of these officials have since left their White House jobs, including Bush's former top adviser Karl Rove and former counsel Harriet Miers. The House Judiciary Committee voted to hold Miers and White House chief of staff Joshua Bolten in contempt for refusing to comply with the subpoenas; a Senate panel did the same for Bolten and Rove — and rightly so.

Attorney General Michael Mukasey seems more inclined to work with Congress than his predecessor. That's encouraging, because Mukasey, and House and Senate leaders have a responsibility to see this investigation through.

Our Justice Department must have the integrity to function above the fray of partisan politics; that's essential. Americans deserve to know what happened, who was responsible — and that justice can indeed be served in a fair manner.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.