Director testified that, quote. dozens of terrorist events were disrupted, democratic senators ron why den and mark urdahl early critics of these programs saying quote: the house is backing up alexander who claims controversial data collection programs are providing primary investigative leads. >> these programs authorized by congress overseen by congress and federal judges, overseen with internal checks and balances within the executive branch, were found to be directly effective in thwarting terrorist attacks. >> but critics say the initial credit critical needs of the new york city subway k...