Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Bush DoJ Turning Over (Some) Warrantless Wiretap Spy Docs to Congress (11:25 am)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Wednesday he will turn over secret documents detailing the government’s domestic spying program, ending a two-week standoff with the Senate Judiciary Committee over surveillance targeting terror suspects.

“It’s never been the case where we said we would never provide access,” Gonzales told reporters.
(…)
But the administration still won’t release other crucial documents that explain how FISA Court’s orders comply with the 1978 surveillance law that the court oversees, said Rep. Heather Wilson (news, bio, voting record), R-N.M., a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee. She said the deal to release the documents stems from a briefing in front of that panel last week, which included Justice Department officials, and left many lawmakers frustrated.

“We are playing hide the ball down at the Justice Department,” said Wilson, who has told House Intelligence Chairman Silvestre Reyes (news, bio, voting record), D-Texas, that she will support a subpoena, if need be.
(…)
“It’s important for us that they understand what we’re doing,” Gonzales said. “All they have to do is ask.”

posted by Brian Zick

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