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September 5, 2008 11:40:15 PM CDT

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Bush Chides House Dems for Law Expiration

Posted Feb 16, 08 2:30 PM CST in US 

(Newser) – With a law that expands the government's power to eavesdrop due to expire at midnight, President Bush scolded Congress today for sitting idly by and allowing it to happen. Bush said Congress' failure to act could cause the US to “lose a vital lead that could prevent an attack,” the AP reports. Democrats accused Bush of "whipping up false fears."

Bush refused to sign a temporary extension of the bill, prompting Dems to blame him for the law’s expiration. “Make no mistake,” charged one Democratic senator, “if any intelligence loss results, it is President Bush's choice." Instead of renewing the bill, the House approved contempt citations against two Bush confidants—infuriating White House officials.

Source Associated Press

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President Bush pauses as he talks about the Northern Illinois University shooting, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, during his meeting with Republican Congressional leaders in the Oval Office of the White House...   (Associated Press)
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., defended the House's decision to allow a surveillance law lapse without extending it. "We know this president dislikes compromise, but this time he has taken his stubborn...   (Associated Press)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow House members left for a 12-day recess without extending a controversial surveillance law that President Bush encouraged lawmakers to extend permanently, the...   (Associated Press)
House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, left, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., right, speak to reporters outside the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, after meeting...   (Associated Press)
President Bush gestures during his meeting with Republican Congressional leaders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. Bush and congressional Democrats have been...   (Associated Press)
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George W. Bush  • Congress  • Nancy Pelosi  • Harriet Miers  • Josh Bolten  • terrorist attack  • House Democrats  • Protect America Act  • Sheldon Whitehouse  • electronic surveillance laws



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