And in one previously undisclosed episode, the N.S.A. tried to wiretap a member of Congress without a warrant, an intelligence official with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The agency believed that the congressman, whose identity could not be determined, was in contact — as part of a Congressional delegation to the Middle East in 2005 or 2006 — with an extremist who had possible terrorist ties and was already under surveillance, the official said. The agency then sought to eavesdrop on the congressman’s conversations, the official said.

The official said the plan was ultimately blocked because of concerns from some intelligence officials about using the N.S.A., without court oversight, to spy on a member of Congress.

said by puck0114 :

This just proves that once you give the government this sort of power, they'll never give it up, regardless who's in the White House, controlling Congress, etc.

said by manfmmd :

Change YOU can believe in!

Where are the calls to impeach Obama?

Where is congressional oversight?

Where is the balance of power?

Where are the checks and balances?

Oh, that's right, the new administration affiliation is "Democrat".

said by travelguy :

It does, however, grant retroactive immunity, and I will work in the Senate to remove this provision so that we can seek full accountability for past offenses".

That position seems to have changed.

said by TKJunkMail :

And there is a reason for that. HE is now responsible for protecting the nation and is no longer a Senate blowhard angling for political points. The landscape looks a little different when it is you that has to maintain it instead of just pointing out problems.

Given the legitimate threats we face, providing effective intelligence collection tools with appropriate safeguards is too important to delay. So I support the compromise, but do so with a firm pledge that as president, I will carefully monitor the program," Obama said in a statement hours after the House approved the legislation 293-129.

said by Mr Matt :

In a recent news report it was disclosed that the Barack Administration fears an NSA backlash if the administration attempts to rein in the NSA.