John Conyers on CSpan3 NOW - Re: FBI use of Nat. Security Letters

This should be good!

all reporting would be appreciated.

Conyers: "Nearly 6 years ago, in the aftermath of 9/11, DOJ said they needed significantly enhanced power, while promising in no uncertain terms that these new tools would be carefully and appropriately used. 2 years ago when the Pat. Act was reauthorized, they promised us there was not a single instance when the law had been abused. Now to underscore the importance for this meeting, many of us remember the time in our Govt. when power was abused. We risk now a continuation of these abuses. One tool in particular, NSL's, essentially secret subpoenas, issued without court review, was used repeatedly to invade the privacy of law abiding citizens outside the law a proper legal process."

Lamar Smith D-TX making remarks...

No, wait! Jerry Nadler's got 2 1/2 minutes. :popcorn:

Still trying to keep up

under 5 statutory provisions, FBI can use NSL (national security letters)
from 2003-2005 use was reviewed
found widespread, serious misuse
FBI did not provide adequate guidance, controls, or training on use of letters

instead it was through (whole list of negatives basically adding up to mismanagement)

use was serious and unnacceptable

from three phone companies in over 700 'exigent letters'

please sit down or leave the room. Thank you.

(Glad to see Waxman's keeping control)

emtionalism "so prevalent" in public policy today. This makes great "soundbites".

Sir, are you a Democrat or Republican? Did you support John Kerry in 2004?

Whole lotta problems and she 'takes responsibility'. But hey! They're on it and it's being fixed! Whew!! Problems solved and you'll *ahem* never see them again!