Wyden upset by CIA ‘invasion’ of panel’s files

Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) released the following statement Tuesday in response to Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein’s floor speech on the CIA’s searching of computers used by the Senate Intelligence Committee:

“I commend Chairman Feinstein for shining a light on the unprecedented invasion by the CIA into computers used by Senate Intelligence Committee investigators.

“The CIA’s own recent court filing makes clear that the work product on these computers was and is ‘the property of the Committee.’ I share her concern that this search may have violated both federal law and the US Constitution.

“In addition to the grave implications for the Constitutional separation of powers, I am extremely troubled that the CIA leadership has neither responded to specific questions about this search nor even acknowledged that it was inappropriate. This is simply not acceptable in a democracy.

“I will continue to support Chairman Feinstein’s efforts to get more answers and accountability from the CIA about this search.

“In my judgment, the Intelligence Community leadership’s misleading statements on interrogation and many other issues has undermined their credibility.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that the facts about the CIA’s detention and interrogation program are made public, so that the American people can make up their own minds about what happened and prevent the mistakes of the past from being repeated.”