FBI: No Need For More Restrictions on Our Spying

[babylonsister]

FBI says problems with letters fixed

FBI says no new law needed for secret letters

LAURIE KELLMAN
AP News

Apr 15, 2008 16:04 EST

The FBI is resisting legislation that would put more restrictions on domestic surveillance of Americans' private records, saying the agency already has tightened its rules to crack down on wrongful use of national security letters.

FBI general counsel Valerie E. Caproni told a House panel Tuesday that the agency has responded to abuses outlined in internal reports by tightening the requirements for issuing national security letters.

National security letters, or NSLs, are investigative tools used to compel businesses to turn over customer information without a judge's order or grand jury subpoena.

She said the agency has improved training programs on the use of NSLs and limited information that can be gathered from third parties — like phone companies and banks.

"In light of the FBI's tremendous progress in this regard, further legislative changes, including the measures envisioned by (Congress), would be neither necessary nor appropriate," Caproni said in testimony to the House subcommittee on the constitution.

Majority Democrats and some Republicans in Congress disagree. Lawmakers in the House and Senate are pushing legislation that would limit the FBI's ability to secretly collect reams of information on the bank, telephone, credit card and internet accounts of private Americans involved in terrorism investigations.

more...

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2008/04/fbi_says_problems_with_letters.php

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. Since they're all gone.

:grr:

[bobthedrummer]

2. "U.S. Reconnaissance Satellites: Domestic Targets" (related active thread started 4-12-2008)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x352054

[ThomWV]

4. Don't forget the State "Fusion Centers" complete with DHS staffing

[bobthedrummer]

5. Nor InfraGard-FBI's sanctioned licensed to kill the "bitter" in a "national emergency" privateers

http://www.infragard.net/

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

3. Honestly, I didn't know the FBI could do this without cause, without warrant.

I'm not shocked or anything like that, anymore. But, I didn't know they could access all that info without cause.

:wow: I didn't know; therefore, very few Americans know.