House member denies interceding in Israel spy case

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A former member of the House Intelligence Committee has denied interceding in an investigation into two pro-Israel lobbyists now facing a trial on espionage charges. California Democrat Rep. Jane Harman's office said she "never contacted the Justice Department about its prosecution of present or former AIPAC employees, and the Justice Department never informed her that she was or is the subject of or involved in an investigation." Congressional Quarterly, and then The New York Times, reported Monday that the National Security Agency intercepted phone calls between Harman and a supporter of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. According to current and former government officials who spoke to CQ and the Times, she was overheard agreeing to seek favorable treatment from the Bush administration for two AIPAC lobbyists under investigation for spying. It was unclear when the wiretaps occurred.