WASHINGTON - Vice President Dick Cheney shrugged off congressional criticism of the Bush administration's domestic eavesdropping program Tuesday, suggesting some in the know who previously raised no objections were changing their tune.
He also expressed little interest in working with Congress to settle legal disputes.
"We believe that we have all the legal authority we need," Cheney said in an interview on PBS' "NewsHour With Jim Lehrer."
Asked about calls from the day before from both Democratic and some Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to work with Congress to sort out differences, Cheney said, "Well, I don't think it would necessarily be in the interests of the country especially if we get into a situation where the legislative process leads to the disclosure of sensitive operational matters with respect to this program."Vice President Dick Cheney addresses a fund raiser for Congressman Robert Aderholt Monday Feb. 6 2006 in Priceville, Ala. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Cheney said that the electronic surveillance program without warrants — which the administration claims is a crucial element of its efforts to track down al-Qaida members and disrupt their plans — has been going on for four years. During that period, the administration has held secret briefings on the program with a select group of eight congressional leaders.
"I presided over most of those briefings," he said. "There was no great concern expressed that somehow we needed to come get additional legislative authority."
"Well, I think a lot of people decided after it became public that they wanted to take a different position than they had in private," Cheney said. "We've had some members head for the hill, so to speak, and forget perhaps that they were in the briefings and fully informed of the program."
He defended the select briefings. "You can't take 535 members of Congress and tell them everything and protect the nation's secrets."
What amazes me here is the arrogance that Cheney has in telling Congress to basically "F@#$ off!" He continues saying the administration has all the authority it needs to domestically spy on Americans, and that any congressional oversight into the issue, could damage national security interests, and help the terrorists. And even more, this surveillance program has been going on in secret for over four years. Oh, and as for the idea that the White House, and the Democrats and Republicans in Congress can work out their differences regarding this spying issue...well, Cheney dismisses that as not being in the interests of the country.
It is just incredible...the arrogance and contempt this White House has regarding Congress and the need for "checks and balances."
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