Sen. Lautenberg: Bush spying illegal based on Cong. analysts research

[ProSense]

Analysts: Bush spying rationale legally shaky
Memo questions use of presidential power in wiretapping without approval

The Associated Press
Updated: 6:21 p.m. ET Jan. 6, 2006


WASHINGTON - A memorandum from two congressional legal analysts concludes that the administration’s justification for the monitoring of certain domestic communications may not be as solid as President Bush and his top aides have argued.

The Congressional Research Service, which advises lawmakers on a wide range of matters, said a final determination about the issue is impossible without a deeper understanding of the program and Bush’s authorization, “which are for the most part classified.”


Snip...

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., who was among those who requested the research service’s memo, said it contradicts Bush’s claim that the program was legal.

“It looks like the president’s wiretapping was not only illegal, but likely targeted innocent Americans who did nothing more than place a phone call,” he said.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10741787/

[rodeodance]

1. yup. but if it goes to the SC--Alito will side with Bush and all is well

[babylonsister]

2. Hey, rodeodance, I'm hoping Alito will

NOT be confirmed. Maybe it'd be wise for the Dems to wait a week (I've heard that might be an option) while the repug dogs chase their collective tails over Abramoff. Maybe the repugs will wake up to reality and see how bad Alito would be, and vote for the country's best interests for a change.
Am I wrong for trying to be optimistic? It's just as easy. :)

[mcscajun]

3. Our "Junior" Senator in NJ is the Damndest One ain't he?

:patriot: Lautenberg :patriot:

[Quakerfriend]

4. He's my favorite! Few have done more than this honorable

senator has- And, to think he came out of retirement to help the party!

ps- My sister Marcie used to be roommates with Sen. Lautenberg's daughter. She once got to ski with him and then prez Ford!

[ProSense]

5. Washington Post article

Report Rebuts Bush on Spying
Domestic Action's Legality Challenged

By Carol D. Leonnig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 7, 2006; Page A01

A report by Congress's research arm concluded yesterday that the administration's justification for the warrantless eavesdropping authorized by President Bush conflicts with existing law and hinges on weak legal arguments.

The Congressional Research Service's report rebuts the central assertions made recently by Bush and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales about the president's authority to order secret intercepts of telephone and e-mail exchanges between people inside the United States and their contacts abroad.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/06/AR2006010601772.html

[NativeTexan]

6. Win the Congress back and....

....it's impeachment.....not the court system.

And this is DEFINITELY going to turn out to be ANOTHER impeachable offense by "der fuhrer".