Secrecy Law Hearing Postponed

By: Christopher Newton, Associated Press Writer (AP) A Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on a proposal to bolster government secrecy laws has been postponed because of a request by Attorney General John Ashcroft, according to the committee chairman's office.

The provision, supported by the committee's chairman, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., would expand current laws to allow the government to prosecute people who leak "properly classified" information on matters beyond those concerning national defense. Violators would face a felony charge and up to three years in prison.

The idea has long been criticized by media groups, which say it would hinder reporters' ability to gather information.

The Senate Intelligence Committee was set to hear comments on the issue Wednesday from Ashcroft and CIA Director George Tenet. But Ashcroft asked Shelby to postpone the hearing because the Justice Department needed more time to study the issue, according to Shelby's spokeswoman, Andrea Andrews.

"Senator Shelby thought it was a reasonable request and is anxious to work with the attorney general," Andrews said.

A Senate official close to the discussion said Shelby and Ashcroft plan to create an interagency working group to address leaks of classified information.

Justice Department spokeswoman Casey Stavropoulos confirmed that Ashcroft was unable to testify, but would not comment on why.

Last week, Bush officials said the administration does not yet have a position on Shelby's proposal. The administration is reviewing it and existing law to see whether further secrecy protections are necessary.

Supporters of Shelby's proposal say press leaks by government officials have compromised intelligence operations. They point to news reports that revealed that the United States had tapped satellite telephones used by suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden.

Not long after, bin Laden stopped using those phones, depriving the United States the ability to monitor some of his communications.

It was unclear when the measure would be taken up by the Senate committee.