Dems Afraid They've Let in Big Brother

New law could give White House broad spying powers
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 18, 2007 6:59 PM CDT
Dems Afraid They've Let in Big Brother
Bush Speaks About The Judicial Confirmation Process   (Getty Images)

Americans who phone friends or shoot emails overseas could have business records snatched up or be subject to searches whenever Washington wants, the Dems worry – after passing new surveillance powers that they may not have fully understood. Yet the White House swears that “the intent here was pure,” to legalize US operations against foreign terrorists.

Dems called the new law “legislative over-reach” and plan to revisit the issue in September when it comes up for renewal, the New York Times reports. One aide says that “Democrats feel like they can regroup." But in a tense meeting last week, Justice officials implied that the law hardly matters because Bush can constitutionally approve any operation he wants anyway. (More warrantless wiretapping stories.)

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