H.R. 5104 is a bill to extend the Protect America Act of 2007 by 30 days. It’s on the Suspension Calendar in the House, scheduled for consideration on Monday (1/28/08).
The Protect America Act, which broadened the government’s powers to eavesdrop on private conversations without court approval, expires Friday. Congress and the President are at loggerheads about how telecommunications surveillance should be administered, and whether telecommunications companies should be immunized from liability for alleged past violations of surveillance law.
Bills considered under “Suspension of the Rules” get limited debate and are not subject to amendment, but a two-thirds vote is required for passage.
So, what should Congress do? And why?
Your vote is probably “Yes” if you think Congress should continue to negotiate with the President while existing surveillance continues.
Your vote is probably “No” if you think Congress should pass a longer-term extension or give the President greater powers. It’s also “No” if you think Congress should refuse further negotiations, either because these surveillance power are not so important, because they’re unconstitutional, or because political blame for collapsed negotiations can be pinned to the President.
But there are other ways to think about this bill. Vote your piece, and let’s hear your reasoning in the comments!
The Technology Liberation Front is the tech policy blog dedicated to keeping politicians' hands off the 'net and everything else related to technology.