"Today's revelation about the NSA's data-mining program only further proves our point that Congress must fully investigate the Bush administration's illegal NSA wire-tapping program," said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "This warrantless database violates the constitutionally protected privacy rights of all Americans. This latest revelation serves as a clear signal that the administration's no-holds-barred approach to ignoring the law governing electronic surveillance has reached new levels. The ACLU has urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate NSA spying before attempting to legislate blindly on the issue.
"By law, members of Congress must be kept appraised of the nation's intelligence activities," Fredrickson added. "The president cannot break the law, spy on Americans without warrants and systematically undermine our rights and freedoms. This abuse of power must not stand."
More reaction to Bush's comments by Athenae at First Draft and Steve Soto at Left Coaster.
And on the whole NSA issue, Peter Dauou and Zack Exley at Huffington Post. And Glenn Greenwald, No Need for Congress, No Need for the Courts.
Update: Jane on CNN's Jack Cafferty. Crooks and Liars has the video.
