Rockefeller Wiretap Inquiry Motion May Pass

The Washington Post on Monday will run a story (Hat Tip: Marie) reporting that Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) would support Senator John D. Rockefeller IV (R-W.Va.) motion to start a broad inquiry into the warrantless NSA wiretapping program.

Senator Olympia J. Snowe

Senator Chuck Hagel

Washington Post
February 20, 2006
White House Working to Avoid Wiretap Probe

[Sen. Olympia J.] Snowe contacted fellow committee Republican
Chuck Hagel (Neb.), who also had voiced concerns about the program. They arranged a three-way phone conversation with Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).

Until then, Roberts apparently thought he had the votes to defeat Rockefeller's motion in the committee, which Republicans control nine to seven, the sources said. But Snowe and Hagel told the chairman that if [John D. Rockefeller] called up the motion, they would support it, assuring its passage, the sources said.

As you are probably aware, a big news story went around Saturday morning about Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) "breaking ranks" with the Bush administration by joining Senator Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) in wanting to amend FISA, but Pat Roberts also wanted the warrantless wiretapping program installed under FISA for oversight.

Then Roberts change his tune and stated the following.

Senator Pat Roberts

CNN

February 17, 2006

Senate plans no probe of NSA spy program

For now, the Senate Intelligence Committee won't investigate the Bush administration's domestic surveillance program, its chairman said.

"An investigation at this point basically would be detrimental to this highly classified program and our efforts to reach some accommodation with the administration," said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas.

Well Pat, looks like your attempt to shred the Constitution is not going to work this time. How do you make sure there is a complete investigation? By contacting John D. Rockefeller and letting him know that he needs to put his motion forward.

Senator John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller IV

Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV

531 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: 202.224.6472

Fax: 202-224-7665

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