FAS

Warrantless Surveillance Cases Go To FISA Court

01.18.07 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales notified the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday that President Bush will not reauthorize the controversial Terrorist Surveillance Program and that the surveillance activities conducted in that program will henceforth be subject to authorization by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

The Attorney General’s January 17 letter to Senators Patrick Leahy and Arlen Specter is here (pdf).

The initial responses of Senators Leahy and Specter are here.

The numerous questions raised by the Attorney General’s letter were asked though mostly not answered in a background briefing for reporters which is transcribed here.

Background on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act may be found here.