Bush Defends Domestic Spying Program, Vows to Continue Despite Criticism

President Bush stood firm Monday in the face of growing opposition to his administration's domestic spying program, which allows the National Security Agency to monitor American citizens' international phone calls without court warrants. Despite criticism from three Democratic senators, who called for suspension of the program until Congress can hold hearings on its legality, Bush insisted that the program is "effective in disrupting the enemy" and is only targeting individuals with "known al-Qaeda ties and/or affiliates."

Bush's comments were made during a 56-minute news conference, where he also hailed last week's elections in Iraq and lashed out at senators who blocked reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act. The law, which gives additional powers to federal law enforcement, is set to expire at the end of the month. Bush's defense of the spying program came as senators from both parties raised civil liberties concerns about the Patriot Act and the domestic spying program.

Key Takeaways:

• The domestic spying program, which allows the National Security Agency to monitor American citizens' international phone calls without court warrants, is being defended by President Bush as necessary for national security.
• Bush cited the constitutional requirement that presidents protect and defend the country, as well as the 2001 congressional authority permitting military force against al-Qaeda, as justification for the program.
• The program is only targeting individuals with "known al-Qaeda ties and/or affiliates," according to Bush.
• Three Democratic senators (Russ Feingold, Carl Levin, and Jack Reed) called for suspension of the program until Congress can hold hearings on its legality.
• Bush acknowledged the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq has hurt U.S. credibility on other intelligence fronts, including allegations of nuclear development in Iran.
• The Senate filibuster of the Patriot Act was called "inexcusable" by Bush, who stated that the act is necessary for the safety of cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Statistics:

• The domestic spying program has been briefed to congressional leaders more than a dozen times.
• The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 already gives the president power to quickly tap phones, intercept e-mails, and seek a warrant after the fact.
• Bush declined to say how many American troops he hopes to pull out of Iraq next year, saying it would be based on conditions there.

Sources:

• David Jackson and John Diamond, "Bush vows to continue domestic spying," USA Today.