Specter touts deal on eavesdropping review

[sabra]

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/15030411.htm

Specter touts deal on eavesdropping review

WASHINGTON - The White House has conditionally agreed to a court review of its controversial eavesdropping program, Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter said Thursday.

Specter said President Bush has agreed to sign legislation that would authorize the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to review the constitutionality of the National Security Agency's most high-profile monitoring operations.

"You have here a recognition by the president that he does not have a blank check," the Pennsylvania Republican told his committee

Since shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, the NSA has been eavesdropping on the international calls and e-mails of people inside the United States when terrorism is suspected. Breaking with historic norms, the president authorized the actions without a court warrant.

[catlawyer]

1. Here's the kicker:

"The administration official, who asked not to be identified because discussions are still ongoing, said the bill also would give the attorney general power to consolidate the 100 lawsuits filed against the surveillance operations into one case before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

Specter did not explain to his committee that detail, which is likely to raise the ire of civil liberties groups."

[BOSSHOG]

2. "Conditionally agreed"

you can investigate as long as nothing bad sticks to the white house. The republican party, the stain on the dress of the statue of liberty.

[Demeter]

3. We Don't Cut Deals on the Constitution

We aren't GOP lackeys like the 5 Supremes, the House, the Senate, etc.

[Moderator]

4. duplicate topic

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2386323