Wyden: NSA violations are more serious than they stated

[Luminous Animal]

24. Wyden: Why I voted "present" on James Comey's nomination...

(Comey would not answer Wyden's questions regarding surveillance - basically the DOJ told Wyden to get lost)

http://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-statement-on-voting-present-on-the-nomination-of-james-comey-to-be-fbi-director

After reviewing the record of Mr. Comey’s confirmation hearing and meeting with him in person, his views on surveillance policy and law remain unclear to me. I sent Mr. Comey a letter asking for written responses to several important questions on surveillance, including whether he believes warrantless wire tapping is legal, and whether he would commit to explain how much evidence the FBI needs to track Americans using their cell phone location data. Mr. Comey could have answered most or all of these questions without disclosing any properly classified information, but the Justice Department informed me today that he will not be responding to any of them. I hope that Mr. Comey will turn out to be a wise and appropriate choice to head the FBI but without more information about his views on these important questions, I cannot vote to approve his nomination at this time.”

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130730/01093423997/doj-tells-senator-wyden-that-incoming-fbi-director-james-comey-has-no-intention-answering-his-questions.shtml

Remember, Wyden serves on the Intelligence Committee, which is in charge of oversight of the intelligence community. One would think that flat out refusing to answer his questions is not the best way to respond to a member of the committee in charge of your oversight. In the end, Wyden voted "present" rather than "no," but stated that he could not vote in favor of Comey.