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The comments by Alexei Pushkov, the head of the foreign affairs committee in Russia's parliament, may mean Moscow is keen to be rid of the former NSA contractor who leaked details of classified U.S. surveillance programs.

Sequestration has yet to cause the huge job losses in the defense industry that many had predicted. Many defense firms have been turning to other growth areas — particularly, developing countries, which are growing their defense budgets while the West is cutting back.

The leaders of Bolivia, Venezuela and Nicaragua have said they're willing to give asylum to the "NSA leaker." He's been lingering in legal limbo at an airport in Russia for nearly two weeks. If he tries to get to Latin America, he may need an OK from Cuba to stop there.

The nation's largest intelligence agency has seen its power — and abilities — greatly expand over the past decade. Both privacy advocates and security experts agree that the laws governing electronic eavesdropping have not kept pace with technology.

When National Intelligence Director James Clapper was asked in March by Sen. Ron Wyden if the NSA collects "any type of data at all on millions, or hundreds of millions of Americans," he answered, "No sir," before adding, "Not wittingly." Clapper says that answer was clearly wrong.

Lon Snowden also compares his son to American patriot Thomas Paine. Edward Snowdown, who has spilled secrets to several news outlets, is seeking asylum. He's wanted for prosecution in the U.S.

Several countries have already turned down requests from NSA leaker Edward Snowden, who remains in legal limbo at a Moscow airport. He wants to avoid being sent to the U.S. to face prosecution. There's speculation in Russia that he might leave with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is visiting.

Allegations that the U.S. had spied on EU offices in Washington and New York emerged this weekend. European officials say the incident could endanger trade talks.

Edward Snowden's remarks mark the first time he's broken his silence since he fled to Moscow eight days ago. They come the same day Russian immigration officials say he applied for political asylum in the country.

The WikiLeaks founder argues that the "NSA leaker" has exposed "mass unlawful interception" of individuals' phone calls and Internet messages. But key lawmakers made the case again Sunday that Edward Snowden should be returned to the U.S. to face prosecution.