White House threatens veto over intel disclosure

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Source: The Hill

The White House said Thursday that if the intelligence authorization bill contains language broadening who the president must inform on covert activities, President Obama would be advised to veto the bill.

Currently, the White House is required by law to inform the "Gang of Eight," the leadership of both Houses and intelligence committees, of covert actions deemed too sensitive to disclose to full committees or legislative bodies.

Officials at the Office of Management and Budget, which distributed the statement of administration policy, also raised concerns about language in the bill that would require "the disclosure of internal executive branch legal advice and deliberations" on covert actions. OMB argues that provision would run afoul of the Constitution.

"Administrations of both political parties have long recognized the importance of protecting the confidentiality of the executive Branch's legal advice and deliberations," the statement said.


Read more: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/white-house-threatens-veto-over-intel-disclosure-2009-07-08.html

[bemildred]

1. This seems to be bullshit.

"President Obama would be advised to veto" means nothing. Tell me what Obama thinks about it or shutup.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. Obama Issues Second Veto Threat, This Time Targeting House Intel Bill

President Barack Obama has issued the second veto threat of his presidency, informing his Democratic allies on Capitol Hill that he would reject the House intelligence authorization bill because of provisions that he believes imperil the administration’s ability to guard national security secrets.

In a Statement of Administration Policy dated Wednesday, the Office of Management and Budget objects to provisions in the legislation that would expand beyond the current “Gang of Eight” the number of lawmakers who must be notified of covert operations. The “Gang of Eight” includes Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate and the chairs and ranking members of the Intelligence committees.
http://www.rollcall.com/news/36592-1.html


Note, that doesn't actually quote President Obama either. I've seen many people presume to speak for President Obama only to have him do something different in the end. Time will tell on this I suppose.

[bemildred]

3. Well then, I just want him to speak for himself.

I have long since learned to believe nothing unless it is properly sourced to the stated speaker. Lying is a highly esteemed job skill these days, as it has always been,

[Swede Atlanta]

4. Bush, Obama...no difference

Once they get in power they are all the same...power...power...power....

[bluevoter4life]

5. Could this, by any long shot have anything to do with it?

http://washingtonindependent.com/50111/six-members-of-congress-say-panetta-testified-that-cia-misled-congress

[bemildred]

6. I think Congress generally likes to be lied to, as long as there are no repercussions.

It gives them plausible deniability. The Congress only gets worked up when the fuckups get monumental and it starts to affect elections.