[Alex]

GD, how exactly would the president prevent Congress from investigating something? He has no power to prevent such (he can not cooperate with an investigation but that would give Congress reason to take it to the courts as has been done in the past when the president doesn't cooperate with an investigation).

I'm confused by comments from some of the senators that they were prevented from discussing this program, even with others on the subcommittee because the White House told them they couldn't. Unless there is some statute I'm unaware of that gives the executive the right to limit discussion in the legislature then at best this was again political cowardice and at worst agreement (now turned to repugnance for political reasons).

I have an opinion on whether this surveillance should have happened (it shouldn't have) but that opinion is independent of whether it is actually legal, which is a determination that most us here (and most of the armchair pundits we're turning to) don't have the technical knowledge to determine.

I hope it is illegal, and if it turns out it isn't then I hope it is made illegal.