AP

 - May 21, 2009

Specter Calls for Transcripts of Future CIA Briefings

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter says transcripts should be made when the CIA briefs members of Congress in closed meetings.

WASHINGTON -- Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter says transcripts should be made when the CIA briefs members of Congress in closed meetings.

In a letter Thursday to the White House and leaders of congressional intelligence committees, Specter says this would prevent disputes later -- like the recent one over what and when House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was told about severe interrogation methods used on terrorism detainees.

He says if the dispute involves classified materials, the transcript could be reviewed by top members of the intelligence committees or even a court. Specter is a former chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Specter recently severed decades-long ties with the Republican Party to become a Democrat.

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