Intelligence panels to probe NSA domestic monitoring activities
Newspaper report says agency went overboard collecting private e-mails and phone calls.
The Senate and House Intelligence committees have launched inquiries into allegations that the National Security Agency overreached by intercepting the communications of U.S. citizens.
"These are serious allegations, and we will make sure we get the facts," said Senate Intelligence Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. "The committee is looking into this, and we will hold a hearing on this subject within one month."
The NSA will be questioned about disclosures by the New York Times late Wednesday that the spy agency engaged in an "overcollection" of private e-mail messages and phone calls of Americans -- including an unidentified member of Congress -- well beyond the bounds Congress established when it revised the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act last year.
House Intelligence Chairman Silvestre Reyes, D-Texas, guaranteed his panel will continue its inquiry into NSA compliance with the law. Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., said Congress should "get to work fixing" surveillance laws and urged the Obama administration to declassify aspects of how some surveillance authorities are used.
The NSA responded in a statement that intelligence operations are "in strict accordance" with U.S. laws and regulations.
The agency added it has "rigorous internal oversight mechanisms" in place that are reviewed by the administration and Congress.