The Seattle Times: Nation & World: White House civil-liberties panel created in 2004, still hasn't met
The Seattle Times: Nation & World: White House civil-liberties panel created in 2004, still hasn't met: "White House civil-liberties panel created in 2004, still hasn't met
By Richard B. Schmitt
Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON — For Americans troubled by the prospect of federal agents eavesdropping on their phone conversations or combing through their Internet records, there is good news: A little-known board exists in the White House whose purpose is to ensure that privacy and civil liberties are protected in the fight against terrorism.
Someday, it might actually meet.
Initially proposed by the bipartisan commission that investigated the Sept. 11 attacks, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board was created by the intelligence overhaul that President Bush signed into law in December 2004.
More than a year later, it exists only on paper.
On Thursday, after months of delays, the Senate Judiciary Committee took a first step toward setting up the fledgling watchdog, approving the two lawyers Bush nominated to lead the panel. But it may take months before the board is up and running.
Critics say the delay shows the administration is going through the motions when it comes to civil liberties. The administration counters that vetting and presenting the nominees takes time.
'They have stalled in giving the board adequate funding. They have stalled in making appointments,' said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. 'It is apparent they are not taking this seriously.'
The Sept. 11 commission also has expressed reservations about the commitment to the civil-liberties panel."
By Richard B. Schmitt
Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON — For Americans troubled by the prospect of federal agents eavesdropping on their phone conversations or combing through their Internet records, there is good news: A little-known board exists in the White House whose purpose is to ensure that privacy and civil liberties are protected in the fight against terrorism.
Someday, it might actually meet.
Initially proposed by the bipartisan commission that investigated the Sept. 11 attacks, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board was created by the intelligence overhaul that President Bush signed into law in December 2004.
More than a year later, it exists only on paper.
On Thursday, after months of delays, the Senate Judiciary Committee took a first step toward setting up the fledgling watchdog, approving the two lawyers Bush nominated to lead the panel. But it may take months before the board is up and running.
Critics say the delay shows the administration is going through the motions when it comes to civil liberties. The administration counters that vetting and presenting the nominees takes time.
'They have stalled in giving the board adequate funding. They have stalled in making appointments,' said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. 'It is apparent they are not taking this seriously.'
The Sept. 11 commission also has expressed reservations about the commitment to the civil-liberties panel."
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