Media

President Bush and Congressional Republicans are falsely claiming that the expiration of a temporary provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is endangering America and compromising our national security.

"Some congressional leaders claim that this will not affect our security. They are wrong. Because Congress failed to act, it will be harder for our government to keep you safe from terrorist attack."

-- President Bush [2/16/08]

As Cubans at home and those living abroad continue their efforts to create a true democracy in their nation, all of us in the international community should continue to encourage the aspiration of the Cuban people for liberty -- the fulfillment of which is long overdue.

"The Protect America Act will expire only because the President and congressional Republicans refused to approve an extension of that law. Their true concern here is not national security. Rather, they want to protect the financial interests of telecommunications companies and avoid judicial scrutiny of their warrantless wiretapping program.

"Congressional Democrats will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to finalize a strong law. As we do, there should be no question in anyone's mind that U.S. intelligence agencies have the legal ability to take all actions necessary to protect the security of the American people. For anyone to suggest otherwise is irresponsible and totally inaccurate.

Associated Press - February 16, 2008

A Bush administration official met secretly with Iranian banking officials and senior government aides last month during a multinational conference in Paris to discuss money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The talks took place despite the administration's near-absolute ban on formal contacts with Iran and while Tehran is trying to head off new United Nations sanctions over its suspected nuclear program.