House GOP walks out to support FISA

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- House Republicans left chambers Thursday to protest Democrats' position on intelligence legislation and contempt of Congress action against White House aides.

Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, said reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act wasn't being considered because of the "political stunt" of seeking contempt citations against two White House aides in the firings of U.S. attorneys.

After the walkout, Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer , D-Md., said authority given President George Bush under the Protect America Act and the original intelligence act "remains in effect."

The Senate-passed FISA reauthorization would make changes to wiretapping rules and monitoring of foreign terrorist suspects, and would grant legal immunity to telecommunications companies that provided information to federal investigators without a warrant. The House passed a FISA reauthorization bill without immunity.

Bush said if the temporary intelligence-gathering measure expires, the United States would be vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

"Every one of us wants to keep America and Americans safe," Hoyer said. "Not one of us wants to subject America or Americans to danger. The president's assertion is wrong. I say it categorically."

House Democrats unsuccessfully sought to extend the PAA for three weeks to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions.