Heinrich Statement On DOJ's Collection Of Associated Press Telephone Records

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Justice collecting Associated Press phone records:

"As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I understand the importance of protecting classified information. However, I'm deeply troubled by the actions taken with regard to the press by Department of Justice officials apparently investigating leaks of classified information. The press plays a crucial watchdog role in our democracy, and those in power should tread carefully not to interfere with that role. The overly broad collection of the AP's phone records raises serious questions about whether the Department of Justice followed its own established procedures for obtaining information from the press. The officials involved with this matter need to fully explain what happened."