Congresswoman Speier Calls For Greater Oversight Of NSA, Whistleblower Protections
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— San Francisco and Peninsula Congresswoman Jackie Speier is pushing for greater oversight of the National Security Agency as well as whistleblower protections for NSA contractors like Edward Snowden.
"It was government run amok in the NSA," Speier said of the "carte blanch" spying powers without the proper oversight.
"On one hand it doesn't surprise me. On the other hand I am grateful it's been exposed."
She called fugitive former NSA contractor Edward Snowden a whistleblower, who had to "go rogue" because there are currently no whistleblower protections for contract employees in the Defense Department.
Meanwhile, Senator Dianne Feinstein told CBS News that if Snowden had come to them instead of the press, he would have been listened to.
Congresswoman Speier Calls For Greater Oversight Of NSA, Whistleblower Protections
"He had an opportunity if what he was, was a whistle blower, to pick up the phone and call the House Intelligence Committee, the Senate Intelligence Committee…" Feinstein said.
As it is, Feinstein said Snowden deserves no clemency for his actions. Both the
Senator and Representative Speier are sponsoring different bills in Congress that would enhance oversight of the NSA.
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