Bush Signs Expansion Of Eavesdropping Bill
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
CAMP DAVID, Md. — President Bush yesterday signed into law an expansion of the government’s power to eavesdrop on foreign terror suspects without the need for warrants. The law, okayed by the Senate and House just before Congress adjourned for its summer break, was deemed a priority by Mr. Bush and his chief intelligence officials. Mr. Bush signed the bill into law yesterday afternoon at his retreat at Camp David, Md.
The administration said the measure is needed to speed the National Security Agency’s ability to intercept phone calls, e-mails, and other communications involving foreign nationals “reasonably believed to be outside the United States.” The law is designed to capture communications that pass through America. Civil-liberties groups say it goes too far, possibly enabling the government to wiretap U.S. residents without adequate oversight from courts or Congress.
