Bush: Domestic spying program is 'limited'

By JPOST.COM STAFF
President George W. Bush is standing firmly behind his domestic spying program, saying his decision to let the intelligence community listen in on phone calls Americans have with suspected terrorists is lawful and does not result in widespread domestic eavesdropping. Bush, whose decision will be discussed in congressional hearings on the surveillance, said Sunday that the program, run by the ultra-secret National Security Agency, is limited. He left little doubt that he intends to vigorously argue that he acted within the law. "The enemy is calling somebody and we want to know who they're calling and why," he said. Sen. Richard Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, told CNN's "Late Edition" that Congress will focus in the new year on presidential powers in wartime. "The White House wants to expand that power in so many areas," he said. "Clearly, Congress is holding back."