Bush-Senate fight brews over extent of U.S. secrecy

WASHINGTON -- With the Bush White House adamant about its right to withhold a wide array of information from Congress, tensions are mounting as the two branches dispute their respective prerogatives and responsibilities under the Constitution.

"This White House is concerned about its secrecy, and this Congress wants to know what's going on," said John Feehery, spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.).

The White House, meanwhile, says Congress is overstepping its constitutional role, even in its bipartisan insistence that Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge testify about his plans.