DNI McConnell heads to Capitol Hill, seeks to extend surveillance authority again

[babylonsister]

McConnell “heads to Capitol Hill this week” seeking to extend the government’s surveillance authority

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-09-16-intel_N.htm

Intel chief pushes new spy law
By Richard Willing, USA TODAY


WASHINGTON — Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell heads to Capitol Hill this week seeking to extend the government's power to read e-mails, listen to telephone calls and carry out other surveillance within the USA in national security cases.

Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are criticizing McConnell's proposals. They say judges should oversee such surveillance.

Some Democrats also object to a second item on the spy chief's wish list: immunity from lawsuits for telecom companies that helped the federal government intercept calls between U.S. and foreign intelligence targets without warrants from late 2001 until last January.

McConnell is scheduled to appear before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and before the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday. Complicating his task: a view among moderate Democrats that the self-described "apolitical" director has become an advocate for the Bush administration's expansive views on the government's power to spy.

McConnell is "undermining the authority of (his) office" by "appearing to play a political role," said Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence.

more...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-09-16-intel_N.htm

[madokie]

1. I think this is the real reason he is there

Some Democrats also object to a second item on the spy chief's wish list: immunity from lawsuits for telecom companies that helped the federal government intercept calls between U.S. and foreign intelligence targets without warrants from late 2001 until last January.

its cover your ass time in the bush* whitehouse

[babylonsister]

2. They had better not give him a pass - again. nt

[Me.]

3. When That Bill Comes Up Again

I hope some dem has the presence of mind to put a hold on it, secret or otherwise.