Demand a Spygate Investigation

The vote on the bill to legalize the spying is tomorrow. This, of course, raises the interesting point that if they have to pass a bill to legalize it, isn't it then, by definition, an illegal program?

The White House is bringing serious pressure to bear on the Stepfor Senators - tell them to respect themselves as an independent branch of government. Demand that they provide oversight for this program.

There's still time to contact Senate Intelligence Committee members and demand an investigation. Rather than calling Democratic members who are the ones calling for an investigation, we'll be more effective acting against the WH pressure on Republican committee members. The toll-free number for the Senate switchboard is 888-355-3588.

Here is a list of the Republican members:

Pat Roberts (R-Kansas)
Phone: (202) 224-4774

Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)
Phone: (202) 224-5251
Fax: (202) 224-6331

Mik DeWine (R-Ohio)
Phone: (202) 224-2315
Fax: (202) 224-6519

Kit Bond (R-Missouri)
Phone: (202) 224-5721

Trent Lott (R-Mississippi)
Phone: (202) 224-6253
Fax: (202) 224-2262

Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia)
Phone: 202-224-3521

Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska)
Phone: (202) 224-4224
Fax: (202) 224-5213

Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
Phone: (202) 224-5344
Fax: (202) 224-1946

Particular attention should be focused on Hagel and Snowe. Remind them that even IF they buy into the President's inherent authority argument, we have absolutely no idea how the President is exercising that authority. That is why even Republican senators should support an oversight investigation.

[UPDATE] Read these diaries from Rep. Louise Slaughter and John Conyers, Jr.


Tags: DeWine, Republicans, NSA, Bush, spying