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Mukasey Open to Spy Bill Deal

AG calls for 'creative' solution to debate on phone company lawsuits

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 21, 2008 8:18 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The nation's top lawman welcomed a deal today on a stalled federal spy bill, Reuters reports. “If somebody has some brilliantly creative compromise, I'm happy to hear that,” Attorney General Michael Mukasey said. A recent House bill would allow lawsuits against phone companies that gave records to Washington, but Bush has vowed to veto it.

GOP lawmakers would like the House to pass the Senate version, which grants immunity to phone companies, but Mukasey is seeking middle ground. “We’re willing and happy to work with Congress,” he told reporters. He added that intelligence gathering was affected for "a couple days" due to the delay. "I hope it wasn’t anything vital,” he said.

Attorney General Michael Mukasey, left, and President Bush are seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, during a photo opportunity with the recipients of the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.
Attorney General Michael Mukasey, left, and President Bush are seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, during a photo opportunity with the recipients of the...   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
The House and Senate are currently battling over how to address warrantless wiretaps undertaken by telecoms and the Bush Administration.
The House and Senate are currently battling over how to address warrantless wiretaps undertaken by telecoms and the Bush Administration.   ((c) twenty_questions)
Attorney General Michael Mukasey. The AG would consider a compromise in negotiations over a Senate anti-terror bill.
Attorney General Michael Mukasey. The AG would consider a compromise in negotiations over a Senate anti-terror bill.   (AP Photo/Filip Horvat)
Attorney General Michael Mukasey testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008, before the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department.
Attorney General Michael Mukasey testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008, before the Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department.   (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
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Senate • telecom • FISA • Michael Mukasey • warrantless wiretapping • House Democrats • telecommunications companies

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