Government

Gonzalez Defends NSA Eavesdropping

January 24, 2006 ⋅  E-Mail Article ⋅ ⋅ Post a comment

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales brushed aside criticism of the National Security Agency’s domestic spying program by stating that Congress was aware of its scope and approved it during their vote to authorize the use of military force against terrorism.

Attorney General Gonzalez is calling out members of congress by stating, “As far as I’m concerned, we have briefed the Congress…They’re aware of the scope of the program. …any member of Congress who thought the program was illegal had an obligation to say something publicly at the time they learned about it.” Although the program has been going on for some time now, previously was no mention of the NSA policy. Not until the N.Y. Times made it front page news was the topic even discussed.

Attorney General Gonzalez stated that the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act has not been compromised by the current NSA spying program. The Attorney General feels the administration is mindful of the Act and its policies.

The FISA act was established to help guide the Presidents actions during times of war. Gonzalez reiterated that, “We have to remember that we’re talking about a wartime foreign intelligence program…It is an ‘early warning system with only one purpose; to detect, and prevent, the next attack on the United States from foreign agents hiding in our midst.”

Detractors of the Presidents policy are quick to state that the administration could realize the same goals legally by requesting warrants before the FISA court. Gonzales replies to this by reminding individuals that warrant-less wiretaps had been authorized by presidents in wartime since the Civil War.

Administration Continues Eavesdropping Defense – New York Times

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