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Michigan congressman defends US spying agencies

Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio

The Michigan congressman who heads the House Intelligence committee won't comment on new complaints about alleged U.S. spying.  

France and Germany are angry at reports the U.S. bugged the offices of the European Union.     The allegations are tied to the recent leaks from a former National Security Agency staffer.

Brighton Congressman Mike Rogers chairs the House Intelligence committee.   He says he cannot comment on “any ongoing operation," but he defends the collection of military and other intelligence overseas.

“I don’t think it comes as a shock to any American that we’re overseas…conducting operations to collect information that would be valuable to protect the interests and the security of the United States of America,” says Rogers. 

President Obama has promised to provide all the information European allies are requesting on the alleged bugging of EU offices.

Rogers suggests that the information that has been leaked in recent weeks by former NSA staffer Edward Snowden contained inaccuracies, though he did not elaborate.  Snowden remains at Moscow’s airport, as the U.S. government continues to try to take him into custody. 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.