WASHINGTON (Friday, July 6) -- The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a lawsuit today challenging the Bush Administration’s warrantless wiretapping program.  Below is Chairman Leahy’s comment on the court’s ruling.

Comment Of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.,
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
On Sixth Circuit Court Of Appeals
Ruling In ACLU vs. NSA  
July 6, 2007

“The Court’s decision is a disappointing one that was not made on the merits of the case, yet closed the courthouse doors to resolving it.  I hope the Bush Administration will finally provide the information requested by Congress regarding the constitutional and legal questions about this program so that those of us who represent the American people can get to the bottom of what happened and why.  There is a dark cloud over the White House’s warrantless wiretapping program, and a full response to the outstanding subpoena from the Senate Judiciary Committee by this Administration would be a good start to clearing the air and moving forward in ways that allow us to better protect against terrorists while honoring the rule of law and the liberties of law-abiding Americans.”

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