Dems cut surveillance deal with White House - msnbc [View All]

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Phone companies to get immunity while Congress would get more oversight




WASHINGTON - In the war on terror, Democrats claim President Bush has abused the power of his office, violated civil rights, and trampled on the Constitution.

But when given the chance last week to challenge the administration's use of wiretapping, Democratic leaders instead chose to cut a deal with the White House.

The result? It may now never be known if the Bush administration broke the law or sidestepped the Constitution when it launched its secret surveillance program shortly after Sept. 11, 2001.

"We're closing the door, never to know why this happened, who ordered it, why did they avoid , what was behind their thinking," said Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd. "And that is a dangerous step for us.”

On Thursday, the Senate is expected to give final passage to that deal — a bill that better regulates ongoing surveillance activity.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25375118/