Bush Calls For Easier Wiretap Rules

Mr. Bush is calling for Congress to revise FISA in order to ease restrictions on the government's secret communications surveillance of terror suspects. Bush is urging legislators to pass FISA reform at the same time that Alberto Gonzales is being accused of lying regarding the firing of US attorneys and Mr. Gonzales handling of the government's secret warrantless wiretap program to monitor suspect electronic communications to and from the United States without first obtaining warrants from a special secret FISA court.

The White House's proposed reform would loosen restrictions on tapping into emails, phone calls and other communications inside the country and possibly allow the US to freely tap into international communications routed through the United States. It will also protect telecommunications companies who cooperate in the effort. Several major companies have been sued for helping with the wiretaps.