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Advocacy Blog
Friday, February 08, 2008
FISA Bill Moves Along Without Changes
Even though they gave themselves more time to consider amendments, none of the amendments offered to improve S.2248 have passed. Two amendments offered by Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) failed. One was meant to block "reverse targeting," which is when a foreign subject is the surveillance target while in actuality the intended target is in the U.S. The second amendment would have given the FISA court the ability to prevent the government from using information about Americans when obtained in a way that was later decided as illegal. Another failed amendment was offered by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) that would sunset the FISA bill in four years instead of six.
Debate on amendments will continue on Monday, with a vote expected on retroactive legal immunity to companies being sued for their alleged participation in the warrantless surveillance program. CQ ($$) reports that a unanimous consent agreement to limit debate on Tuesday could possibly result in final passage later that day.
If a bill passes as planned in the Senate, there is very little time between Tuesday and the Presidents Day recess that begins February 15 for a conference between the Senate and the House, which is why Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), has filed a bill that would extend the current law for another 15 days.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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