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Now, Sen. Feinstein wants a
total review of intelligence programs. Here's her statement:
Oct 28 2013
Feinstein Statement on Intelligence Collection of Foreign Leaders
Washington—Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne
Feinstein (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement on reports the
National Security Agency has conducted surveillance on leaders of
foreign countries:
“It is abundantly clear that a total review of all
intelligence programs is necessary so that members of the Senate
Intelligence Committee are fully informed as to what is actually being
carried out by the intelligence community.
“Unlike NSA’s collection of phone records under a court
order, it is clear to me that certain surveillance activities have been
in effect for more than a decade and that the Senate Intelligence
Committee was not satisfactorily informed. Therefore our oversight needs
to be strengthened and increased.
“With respect to NSA collection of intelligence on leaders of
U.S. allies—including France, Spain, Mexico and Germany—let me state
unequivocally: I am totally opposed.
“Unless the United States is engaged in hostilities against a
country or there is an emergency need for this type of surveillance, I
do not believe the United States should be collecting phone calls or
emails of friendly presidents and prime ministers. The president should
be required to approve any collection of this sort.
“It is my understanding that President Obama was not aware
Chancellor Merkel’s communications were being collected since 2002. That
is a big problem.
“The White House has informed me that collection on our
allies will not continue, which I support. But as far as I’m concerned,
Congress needs to know exactly what our intelligence community is doing.
To that end, the committee will initiate a major review into all
intelligence collection programs.”
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