"The recent revelation that President Bush authorized the National Security Agency (NSA) to intercept phone calls and e-mails inside the United States without a warrant has raised significant legal and constitutional questions. As one of the few members of Congress whom the administration selectively briefed on aspects of the program, I can assure you that these important questions remain unanswered.
The truth is, the president cannot fight the war on terrorism without the support of the American people and he cannot sustain that support by shielding controversial programs from congressional scrutiny. Every member of Congress, Democrat and Republican, shares the goal of protecting the United States and its citizens from terrorist attacks, but we cannot ensure that we have the best, most effective and legal counterterrorism programs possible when the president refuses to give Congress the information it needs to do its job.
When I first learned of the program July 17, 2003, I understood very well that the administration was entering into uncharted areas where new technologies could support our growing counterterrorism efforts. I understood that this program could be of significant value, but I also recognized that it raised considerable legal and constitutional issues. And it was obvious to me that the limited briefings being provided to eight members of Congress were woefully insufficient. I wrote the vice president that very day to say that without the ability to consult with staff or counsel I could not possibly evaluate, much less endorse, the program."
AJ over at the Strata Sphere comments:
"The Senator surely knows the leak actually happened prior to the election in 2004 - we all know that! Jame Risen, the leakee, had first taken the story to the Administration back then. About the time Rockefeller was readying his plan to elect Kerry and win the Senate…..
Coinicidence? I wonder. Is he establishing an alibi here? We shall see if he quotes this as evidence he could not possibly have known about the leak later!"
AJ observations are keen. And Rocky is right - there are still many questions and NONE of them have to do with President Bush.
iraq Politics News bush war on terror spying patriot act nsa CIA
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