Comment Of Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,

On Draft Proposal From The House

On Reforms To FISA

March 11, 2008

 

“After several meetings and months of debate, House leaders have crafted a bill that would provide effective tools to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence, as well as crucial protections for the civil liberties of all Americans.  I commend House leaders for their efforts to bring Democrats and Republicans of both chambers, as well as the administration, to the table to discuss these reforms.

 

“We have heard President Bush repeatedly claim that his administration’s warrantless wiretapping program was legal.  Yet experts from the intelligence and legal communities have signaled serious concerns with the administration’s conduct.  I believe this program operated illegally and in violation of FISA.  We must now work together to implement the judicial review needed to make that determination. 

 

“I look forward to reviewing the House’s proposal to amend FISA further and to continuing our commitment to protecting the safety and privacy of all Americans.”

 

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