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Justice Dept. to review warrantless surveillance program

Written by ShadowMonkey

Tuesday, 28 November 2006

It's good to see some oversight coming online these days in the area of overreaching and, many would say, unconstitutional operations by the federal government. Just yesterday, news was announced regarding a new Justice Department internal review of the Bush administration's use of the warrantless surveillance program.

Justice Department begins internal review of spying program

By Marisa Taylor (McClatchy Newspapers)

WASHINGTON - Justice Department investigators have launched an inquiry to determine whether the Bush administration's use of the warrantless surveillance program has complied with government procedures.

Glenn Fine, the Justice Department's inspector general, said in a letter to congressional committee leaders Monday that his investigation would be limited to the department's use of information arising from the surveillance and "compliance with legal requirements."

The inquiry won't seek to address questions about the legality of the administration's decision to spy on U.S. residents without court approval.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., said a broader investigation was needed because Congress had been kept largely in the dark about the workings of the program and couldn't determine whether the administration's use of the program was legal. In January, Fine declined a request from Lofgren and other Democrats for a more sweeping probe, saying his office lacked jurisdiction.

"Congress needs to craft legislation so that terrorists can be the subject of surveillance while the Constitution of the United States is honored," Lofgren said. "To do that, a full investigation into the program as a whole, not just the (Justice Department's) involvement, will be necessary."

Read the full story on mercurynews.com

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