Sen Corker 'shocked' that NSA collecting 'little data’

Sen Bob Corker (R-TN) suggested that a controversial National Security Agency surveillance program should be broadened, saying he was "shocked" at what he said was a limited amount of data being collected. "I think there was an ‘ah ha’ moment yesterday for people on both sides of the aisle when they realized how little data is being collected," Sen Corker said. "I think it's shocking to know this." Senators huddled with administration officials, including FBI Director James Comey, as part of a classified briefing.

Sen Corker, who said he couldn't discuss the details of the meeting or what he believes are the gaps in the current program, suggested it was a "potential game changer." Sen Corker, who opposes the USA Freedom Act, told reporters that the metadata program "needs to be ramped up hugely." "The way it's being implemented today, I don't see how it's much useful at all to the American people, and I'm shocked again by the small amount of data," he said. "The program is not the program I thought it was, not even close." He added that "it's almost malpractice. Malpractice is the best word I can use to describe the amount of data that is actually being collected in the metadata program. ...It's beyond belief how little data is a part of the program and type of data especially if the goal is to deal with terrorists."