Use of "State Secrets" Claim Draws Congressional Attention

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Increasing use of the “state secrets” privilege by the Bush Administration to prevent disclosure of classified information in civil has prompted calls for more congressional oversight. Legislation has been filed in the Senate and the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing. The privilege allows the government to argue for dismissal on the grounds that information needed by the government to defend its position is classified and cannot be made public for national security reasons. (1/29/08)