Spy Chief Seeks More Eavesdropping Power

Tuesday September 18, 2007 4:31 PM

By PAMELA HESS

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The top U.S. intelligence official is telling Congress it shouldn't succumb to pressure to roll back a new law that enhances the government's eavesdropping capability on terrorists as well as more traditional potential adversaries.

Mike McConnell, the director of national intelligence, says China and Russia are aggressively spying on sensitive U.S. facilities, intelligence systems and development projects, and their efforts are approaching Cold War levels.