Washington, D.C.
Congress and the White House are nearing a deal that will put a controversial surveillance program under court oversight, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) said this week. Press reports late last year revealed that the National Security Agency, as part of its tracking of potential terrorist activities, has been monitoring telephone calls and e-mails between the U.S. and other countries. Specter and other lawmakers have argued that those intercepts require a search warrant, a step the Bush administration has resisted. But Specter now says administration officials will soon agree to let the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Court—which oversees intelligence-gathering activities—review the NSA program’s wiretap requests and issue warrants.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What are the different types of nuclear weapons?The Explainer Speculation mounts that post-war taboo on nuclear weapons could soon be shattered by use of 'battlefield' missiles
-
Floral afternoon teas to enjoy during the Chelsea Flower ShowThe Week Recommends These are the prettiest spots in the city to savour a traditional treat
-
How to plan a trip along the Mississippi RiverThe Week Recommends See this vital waterway from the Great River Road
