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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Bush Administration's Broad New Wiretapping Powers

President Bush may be a struggling lame duck, but Democrats can still be out-maneuvered if they think they'll be called soft on terrorism. As Congress was leaving town, both houses gave Mr. Bush the wire-tapping authority he wanted, despite opposition from the Democratic leadership.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

President Bush may be a struggling lame duck, but Democrats can still be out-maneuvered if they think they'll be called soft on terrorism. As Congress was leaving town, both houses gave Mr. Bush the wire-tapping authority he wanted, despite opposition from the Democratic leadership. The Bush White House denies it's a "broad expansion" of the President's powers, while House Speaker Pelosi calls it "unacceptable." Civil libertarians and other Senate Democrats, including Barack Obama, say the new majority buckled under intimidation and pressure, that they "might be branded as soft on terrorism." We look at the new law and the politics that got it passed.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Karen Radziner

    Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

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    Vanessa Romo

    LA School Report

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    Charlie Savage

    New York Times

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    Marc Rotenberg

    Electronic Privacy Information Center

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    Robert Turner

    University of Virginia Law School

    NewsNationalPolitics
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