WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators are welcoming steps the director of national intelligence is taking to stem the leaks of classified information but insisting a special counsel is needed to investigate recent disclosures.
Four lawmakers told reporters at a news conference Tuesday that the Obama administration cannot be trusted to investigate itself. Attorney General Eric Holder has appointed two U.S. attorneys to lead a Justice Department inquiry into the leaks. Holder has said they can be independent and thorough.
On Monday, Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper announced two new steps — a question related to unauthorized disclosure of classified information would be added to the polygraph test used by intelligence agencies. He also said the inspector general for the intelligence community would lead any independent investigations that the Justice Department declines.
