Top senator challenges spy chief's credibility

[lovuian]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10465969&ref=rss

WASHINGTON - A top US senator has joined a list of Democrats challenging the credibility of spy chief Michael McConnell, and accused the national intelligence director of unfairly criticising lawmakers.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy blasted McConnell for suggesting some members of the Democratic-led Congress fail to appreciate the threat of attack. Leahy also criticised McConnell for telling Congress earlier this month that open debate about US surveillance endangered lives.

"I hope we will not hear any more irresponsible rhetoric about congressional inquiries risking Americans' safety," Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, told McConnell at a hearing. "Our job is to protect Americans' security and Americans' rights."

Congress last month passed a law to expand for six months the power of the government to conduct surveillance without court approval while tracking suspected enemy targets.

The White House wants to make the law permanent, but critics argue the measure must be revised to protect the rights of law-abiding US citizen
more...

Things got a bit testy Go Leahy

[monktonman]

1. Go Pat Go!!!! n/t

[MadMaddie]

2. McConnell was pissed because the Democrats failed to be

frightend of his rhetoric...

[cspanlovr]

3. I heard a little bit of it this morning, wish I'd heard this exchange.

I do love the cspan!

[cali]

4. Great statement,, Senator

keep after those bush dogs.

[LiberalFighter]

5. Who are the Democrats to be criticizing the credibility of the top spy?

That is totally outrageous!!!

Everyone knows McConnell is doing what is right for the U.S.

:sarcasm:

[cali]

6. heh.

I'm sure that's just what he's saying to his wife tonight as he belts down the scotch.