ACLU Web site to monitor NSA investigation

WASHINGTON, June 26 (UPI) -- The ACLU launched a Web site to monitor the investigation into warrantless wiretaps by the U.S. Congress.

The American Civil Liberties Union said it was setting up the site as a response to the decision by the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday "to authorize the use of subpoenas to obtain documents related to the National Security Agency's warrantless wiretapping program."

The ACLU said that its new Web site, called Subpoena Watch, would "list items and testimony that the organization feels must be obtained and will monitor the progress of the committee's work."

"It's encouraging to see Chairman (Sen. Patrick) Leahy, D-Vt., and the Senate Judiciary Committee using their subpoena power, and they should be commended for their oversight attempts," said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office.

"However, we want to be clear on what is needed for Congress to conduct a thorough and exhaustive inquiry," Fredrickson said.

"Our Web site is being launched to ensure that the committee does not back down from its requests and that a full and public investigation is completed," she said. "We believe that it is imperative that the documents listed on our site be examined so that we can have a clear understanding of this program's legal framework."

The ACLU said it wants the Senate Judiciary Committee "to demand and obtain a series of documents, including executive memos and legal opinions, and testimony from principals such as Vice President Dick Cheney and NSA Director Michael Hayden."

"There should be a clear and decisive investigation into how the administration claims this program cleared legal hurdles," said ACLU legislative consultant Michelle Richardson.

The ACLU site reflects the growing interaction between U.S. human rights organizations and the Democratic leaders in Congress on monitoring Bush administration policies.