Akaka, Schatz: ‘Nay’ On Reauthorizing Foreign Surveillance

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The Hill has this story. Excerpts:

The Senate on Friday approved a bill reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in a 73-23 vote.

The bill will extend for five years the ability of U.S. intelligence authorities to conduct surveillance of suspected terrorists overseas without first getting permission from a court. 

The House already approved the legislation, meaning the Senate vote will send the bill to President Obama’s desk. The president is expected to sign the bill.

Supporters said the Senate needed to act quickly so that Obama could sign the legislation and extend the programs before they expired at the end of the year. 

Sens. Dan Akaka and Brian Schatz voted against the bill.

—Chad Blair

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Photo courtesy donjd2.

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