Herald Washington Bureau

 WASHINGTON -- Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch decided Friday to postpone next week's hearing on the federal raid to seize Elian Gonzalez because the Justice Department needed more time to supply documents on the event to the committee.

 A committee spokeswoman said no date has been set for the hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, but hoped that it would be ``in the coming weeks.''

 Hatch, a Utah Republican, and other GOP leaders have said they want to question top officials on the use of force, the necessity of the raid and its legality. Hatch, Majority Leader Trent Lott and Connie Mack, a Florida Republican, all have been critical of the operation, which took Elian by force last Saturday.

 Several Democrats, including Minority Leader Tom Daschle, said hearings are unnecessary.

 Hatch had asked the Justice Department Thursday to turn over, by Friday, all documents relating to:

 Surveillance of Lazaro Gonzalez's Little Havana home, including any reports of possible weapons in the house. Lazaro Gonzalez is Elian's great-uncle.

 The two warrants obtained for the raid.

 The decision to enter the home and the means of entry.

 The conduct of the operation of entering the house, seizing the boy and taking him to Maryland, ``including but not limited to any tactical plan or rules for engagement.''

 On Friday, Justice officials said they will need a few more days to turn over all the documents.

                     Copyright 2000 Miami Herald