Bush Defends Eavesdropping, Patriot Act

In a live, nationwide radio address, President Bush today acknowledged and defended his order to allow eavesdropping on people in the United States, and urged Congress to renew the terror-fighting Patriot Act.

"In the weeks following the terrorist attacks on our nation, I authorized the National Security Agency, consistent with U.S. law and the Constitution, to intercept the international communications of people with known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations," Bush said. "This is a highly classified program that is crucial to our national security."

The President said that he had allowed the eavesdropping in 30 instances since the 9-11 terrorist attacks, and would continue to do so "for as long as our nation faces a continuing threat from al Qaeda and related groups." [Complete transcript of address]

Also See: Senate Blocks Patriot Act Reauthorization