An Impeachable Offense
Bush has decided to subject his secret wiretapping program to review by FICA, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. It appeared to be a tactical retreat from the challenge of a Democratic Congress. Nevertheless, Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez continues to argue that the president has a right to spy without warrant if he chooses.
Gonzalez agreed to turn over to congressional committees classified documents about the surveillance program. Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said; "I look forward to reviewing the court's orders and deciding what further oversight or legislative action is necessary." In fact, Bush is merely trying to head off questions by members of Congress.
James Bamford specializes in national security affairs. He wrote that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) provides that failure to obtain a warrant authorizing electronic spying was a felony, punishable by a fine of $10,000 and five years in prison. FISA was enacted in 1978 in response to previous intelligence abuses. Making violations of the law's provisions a felony is a sign that in 1978 Congress took the matter of illegal wiretaps very seriously.
Bamford points out that, although the Bush has been accused of ignoring the provisions of FISA, and appears to have committed a felony, there has been no FBI investigation and no special prosecutor appointed. Attorney General Gonzalez has been dedicated to the protection of the president more than to the prosecution of justice.
According to Bamford one of the charges in the articles of impeachment drawn up against President Nixon was "illegal wiretaps." Bush's legal protectors seem to have grown fearful that someone will conclude that a felonious offense is also an impeachable offense.
Bush's claims of executive power has earned him plenty of criticism, and in the wiretap case he is seeking to deflect criticism by agreeing to comply with the law. It’s important that Senator Leahy continue his pursuit of the truth concerning Bush's lawless behavior.
For now, congressional Democrats have stuck with a plan of rigid congressional oversight as opposed to the power of the purse or impeachment.
Gonzalez agreed to turn over to congressional committees classified documents about the surveillance program. Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said; "I look forward to reviewing the court's orders and deciding what further oversight or legislative action is necessary." In fact, Bush is merely trying to head off questions by members of Congress.
James Bamford specializes in national security affairs. He wrote that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) provides that failure to obtain a warrant authorizing electronic spying was a felony, punishable by a fine of $10,000 and five years in prison. FISA was enacted in 1978 in response to previous intelligence abuses. Making violations of the law's provisions a felony is a sign that in 1978 Congress took the matter of illegal wiretaps very seriously.
Bamford points out that, although the Bush has been accused of ignoring the provisions of FISA, and appears to have committed a felony, there has been no FBI investigation and no special prosecutor appointed. Attorney General Gonzalez has been dedicated to the protection of the president more than to the prosecution of justice.
According to Bamford one of the charges in the articles of impeachment drawn up against President Nixon was "illegal wiretaps." Bush's legal protectors seem to have grown fearful that someone will conclude that a felonious offense is also an impeachable offense.
Bush's claims of executive power has earned him plenty of criticism, and in the wiretap case he is seeking to deflect criticism by agreeing to comply with the law. It’s important that Senator Leahy continue his pursuit of the truth concerning Bush's lawless behavior.
For now, congressional Democrats have stuck with a plan of rigid congressional oversight as opposed to the power of the purse or impeachment.
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