The New York Times reported in December 2005 that the National Security Agency was conducting warrantless electronic surveillance of American citizens within the United States. This extra-judicial eavesdropping on US persons violated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which Congress intended to be the exclusive framework for electronic surveillance in the US. The full extent and details of the NSA program are still not known.
Senate Sends FISA Legislation to President for Signature - After beating back three amendments, the Senate voted 69-28 to pass the FISA Amendments Act and send it to the President to be signed into law. The rejected amendments would have stripped out or limited provisions in the bill granting immunity to telecommunications carriers that assisted with illegal warrantless surveillance for more than five years after September 11. CDT opposed the legislation because it grants immunity and fails to give the FISA court adequate authority to ensure that Americans are protected against unjustified surveillance of their communications. CDT calls on Congress to vigorously exercise its authority to oversee the government's implementation of the new authority. July 09, 2008
Share this articleCDT Urges Congress to Reject FISA Amendment Legislation - CDT today urged Congress to reject legislation to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that is expected to be voted on in the House tomorrow and in the Senate next week. The legislation fails to give the FISA court adequate authority to ensure that the Americans are protected against unjustified surveillance of their communications. It also provides immunity to telecommunications carriers that assisted with warrantless surveillance for years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. June 19, 2008
House Passes Compromise Surveillance Bill - CDT applauded the House of Representatives today for passing a compromise intelligence surveillance bill. CDT urges the Senate to adopt the bill's provisions protecting privacy and promoting accountability. The House bill requires prior judicial authorization of procedures governing surveillance targeting people abroad who may be communicating with people in the U.S., but does not require individual orders in such cases. While the bill rejects blanket retroactive immunity for telecoms that assisted with illegal warrantless surveillance, it would allow the companies to use national security information in defending themselves against litigation. March 14, 2008
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