Reaction Of Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.),

Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee,

On The Inspector General’s Report

On FBI Abuses Of National Security Letters

March 13, 2008

 

“Last week, the FBI Director previewed and soft-pedaled the Inspector General’s report on National Security Letters released this morning.  It outlines more abuses and what appears to be the improper use of National Security Letters for years in a systemic failure throughout the FBI. In addition to the violations of law we examined last year, this new IG report suggests that the FBI mirrors the rest of the Bush administration in seeking to avoid accountability by providing itself blanket authority. When the Senate returns after the March recess, I intend to follow up with another oversight hearing.  Legislative action may be necessary to correct these abuses. I intend to seek accountability and advertence to the rule of law, which was evaded before 2007.”

 

# # # # #