Bush Fails to Nominate Replacements to Privacy & Civil Liberties Oversight Board

In a story that isn’t receiving much media attention, President Bush has failed to nominate any candidates to fill five now-empty positions held on the Privacy & Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB). This committee was created in 2006 under recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, with the purpose to advise and caution the President on how potential legislation and administrative actions could harm and infringe upon the civil liberties and privacy of the American people. As of last week, no board members remain. (Other articles – TechDirt, Raw Story)

Previous board members have encountered criticism for the widespread perception of being too cozy with Bush administration officials – effectively politicizing the board’s actions (former Solicitor General Ted Olsen is one of the previous five board members). This resulted in Congress taking steps last year to make the board more independent, accountable for its actions, and distinctly bipartisan. A lack of nominations seems to be the president’s response.

-- Dylan Blaylock