Watch CBS News

Christie blasts changes to NSA phone records law

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says sweeping changes to surveillance laws that will eliminate the National Security Agency's disputed bulk phone-records collection program will make the country less safe.

The potential Republican presidential contender blasted the changes as he kicked off his first town hall event in the early-voting state of South Carolina Wednesday morning.

The changes approved by Congress Tuesday will overhaul the program by keeping records in phone companies' hands.

Jeb Bush on NSA surveillance, war against ISIS 04:53

But Christie, who has been touting his experience as U.S. attorney in New Jersey before he was governor, says national security shouldn't be put in phone companies' hands.

He also reiterated his call for enhanced intelligence collection.

South Carolina is host of the first-in-the-South presidential primary.

Christie says he'll make a decision about whether he's running this month.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.