www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20749773/site/newsweek
Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball-Terror Watch Spy Master Admits Error Intel czar Mike McConnell told Congress a new law helped bring down a terror plot. Web exclusive By By Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball Newsweek Sept. The temporary measure, signed into law by President Bush on Aug. The law expires in six months and is expected to be the subject of intense debate in the months ahead. Joe Lieberman--claimed the law, intended to remedy what the White House said was an intelligence gap, had helped to "facilitate" the arrest of three suspects believed to be planning massive car bombings against American targets in Germany. Other US intelligence-community officials questioned the accuracy of McConnell's testimony and urged his office to correct it. Four intelligence-community officials, who asked for anonymity discussing sensitive material, said the new law, dubbed the "Protect America Act," played little if any role in the unraveling of the German plot. The US military initially provided information that helped the Germans uncover the plot. But that exchange of information took place months before the new "Protect America" law was passed. After questions about his testimony were raised, McConnell called Lieberman to clarify his statements to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, an official said.
was not collected under authorities provided by the 'Protect America Act'." The developments were cited by Democratic critics on Capitol Hill as the latest example of the Bush administration's exaggerated claims--and contradictory statements--about ultrasecret surveillance activities. In the face of such complaints, the administration has consistently resisted any public disclosure about the details of the surveillance activities--even though McConnell himself has openly talked about some aspects of them.
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