Representative Michael McCaul (R.,Texas), chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, told CBS’s Face the Nation this morning that he wonders whether Americans can trust their government.

“The optics are terrible in this case when you consider the recent scandals,” McCaul said. “You have to ask yourself this question: Can you trust this administration with your phone records?”


McCaul, however, defended the recently revealed surveillance programs as “lawful” and helpful in counterterrorism efforts. His concern, he said, was more about the Obama White House having access to these records.