NPR

'Unmasking' 101: The Next Chapter In The Trump-Russia Imbroglio

The next phase of Congress' investigation into the Trump-Russia story could be a major focus on U.S. intelligence — and what Republicans call its abuse.
People walk through Moscow's Red Square in March. Both the House and Senate intelligence committees are investigating Russian interference in last year's presidential election.

When U.S. intelligence agencies spy on Americans, they're supposed to get a warrant. But what happens when they're spying on a foreigner and an American calls up?

The way intelligence agencies handle what they call this "incidental" collection of information — and what political leaders eventually do with it — will be a big part of the next phase in Congress' investigations about the Russian interference in last year's presidential election.

The House Intelligence Committee announced Friday that it has invited FBI Director James Comey and National Security Agency Director Adm. Michael S. Rogers to a closed hearing on May 2. The two appeared March 20 at an open hearing.

The House committee has also invited three former national security officials from the Obama administration — former CIA

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