WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department's use of warrantless wiretaps will be reviewed by its inspector general, but its legality will not be a part of the report.
Inspector General Glenn Fine announced the review to lawmakers in a letter Monday, saying it will examine how information gleaned from the National Security Agency's program was used and whether departmental lawyers adhered to legal requirements governing the program.
The NSA program was launched soon after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and bypasses warrants for international phone calls and e-mails into or out of the United States. One federal judge has ruled it unconstitutional, but the Bush administration insists it is critical to security, and it remains in place, the Washington Post reported Tuesday.
Fine told lawmakers in his letter the White House has promised to grant security clearances necessary to conduct the new investigation.
