ACLU Says FBI Can’t Manage Checkbook (1/10/2008)
Telecoms pull the plug when the government doesn't pay
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: 202-675-2312
or media@dcaclu.org
Washington, DC – The American Civil Liberties Union responded to a
summary report released yesterday by the Department of Justice Office of the
Inspector General (OIG). The report, which details the FBI’s use of confidential
case funds, showed that FBI wiretaps – at least one under the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act - have been disconnected due to the nonpayment of
bills. The ACLU is asking for the full, 87-page report to be released.
The following can be attributed to Michael German, ACLU National Security
Policy Counsel:
"Americans should be extremely concerned when the FBI’s failure to pay its
bills on time puts our national security at risk. We’re down the constitutional
rabbit hole when lack of payment, and not the lack of a warrant, prevents the
FBI from wiretapping. It seems the telecoms, who are claiming they were just
being "good patriots" when they allowed the government to spy on us without
warrants, are more than willing to pull the plug on national security
investigations when the government falls behind on its bills. To put it bluntly
it sounds as though the telecoms believe it when FBI says warrant is in the mail
but not when they say the check is in the mail.
"The information released by the OIG is yet another example of the complete
disarray at the FBI. The FBI has failed to address its serious management issues
– continuing to turn a blind eye to its internal problems. Yet against all odds,
instead of being chided for not addressing these problems, the agency has asked
for and received even more authority from Congress.
"Six and a half years after 9/11, the bureau’s mismanagement still threatens
our national security.
Until proper oversight is imposed on the intelligence community, our security
and our rights will remain at risk. As Congress is seeking to further expand
surveillance powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, we urge
them to take these facts into account. The bureau must be held accountable. If
the FBI can’t even manage its checkbook properly, how can we trust it to ensure
that our rights are being protected?"
For more information on FISA and surveillance, go to:
www.aclu.org/fisa
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