"Dems' Delay of FISA Hearing Draws Fire from House GOP"

Considering the debates over the FISA courts over the past two years, with the Democrats leading the charge claiming that the Bush policies infringe on the Constitutional rights of US Citizens, I find it interesting that they are giving the Republicans some ammunition against them on the issue.  From CNS News:

House Republican leaders Tuesday criticized what they called an “11th hour decision” by Democrats to put off a hearing on updating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until after Congress’ August recess, warning that “national security can’t be postponed.”

“Democrats have ignored, downplayed, and done everything possible to sidestep addressing the FISA problem,” said House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a news release. “Now, they have canceled a hearing with the director of national intelligence (DNI) rather than have him address the issue directly on Capitol Hill.”

Boehner is not alone.  Rep. Pete Hoekstra has also chimed in on the issue:

“It appears they are afraid to even risk talking about FISA because the intelligence gap is real and no amount of their rhetoric will make it go away,” Hoekstra said. “This hearing would have provided a critical opportunity for the American people to learn more about one of the most pressing intelligence issues our nation faces.”

“Refusing to hear from Director McConnell will not make the FISA issue go away,” he said. “Only Congress taking action to close the terrorist loophole will.”

In response to the action, Sen. Hary Reid said:

“Although it is unfortunate that the Bush administration’s refusal to treat Congress as a partner on critical national security issues has led to the urgent situation we face today, I am committed to giving our intelligence community the tools they need to fight terrorism and am working very hard with the most senior members of the administration to do that as soon as possible,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in a statement on Monday. 

For the full story, read the article:  CNS News – 7/31/2007