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Associated Press
House Approves Foreign Wiretap Bill

WASHINGTON -

The House handed President Bush a victory Saturday, voting to expand the government’s abilities to eavesdrop without warrants on foreign suspects whose communications pass through the United States.

The 227-183 vote, which followed the Senate’s approval Friday, sends the bill to Bush for his signature. He had urged Congress to approve it, saying Saturday, “Protecting America is our most solemn obligation.”

Oh well.  What did you really expect?  FISA  neutered,  the 4th Amendment a memory.

The administration said the measure is needed to speed the National Security Agency’s ability to intercept phone calls, e-mails and other communications involving foreign nationals “reasonably believed to be outside the United States.” Civil liberties groups and many Democrats said it goes too far, possibly enabling the government to wiretap U.S. residents communicating with overseas parties without adequate oversight from courts or Congress.

The 227-183 vote, which followed the Senate’s approval Friday, sends the bill to Bush for his signature.

10:38 P.M. -

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.

10:37 P.M. -

Considered as privileged matter. On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 205 - 187 (Roll no. 837).

S. 1927:

to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to provide additional procedures for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence information and for other purposes

(Click here to see how everyone voted) 

Many congressional Democrats wanted tighter restrictions on government surveillance, but yielded in the face of Bush’s veto threats and the impending August recess.

“This bill would grant the attorney general the ability to wiretap anybody, any place, any time without court review,  without any checks and balances,”  said Rep. Zoe Lofgren,  D-Calif.,  during the debate preceding the vote.   “I think this unwarranted, unprecedented measure would simply eviscerate the 4th Amendment,”  which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

The House of Faux Representatives must have a VERY good reason to appease the King.  I am sure the Sunday morning talk shows will be filled with excuses and explanations.  This bill is a great tool not bound by accountability.  Gonzales  will be the decider when and where to use his expanded powers.  Woe, I mean Wow,  I feel safer already.  Time to learn sign language.  I think I’ll wear moccasins, too.  They make no sound as you tiptoe across the border into Canada.

Posted by bosskitty August 4th, 2007 | Category: 4th Amendment, Accountability, Armageddon, Bill of Rights, Bush, Cheney, Congress, Constitution, Contempt, Corruption, Deception, Democracy In Action, Excuses, Executive Orders, FISA, Fear, Founding Fathers, Gonzales, Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Hypocracy, Impeach, King George, Law, Lord Cheney, Mike McConnell, Oversight, Patriot Act, Pelosi, Politics, Republican, Senate, Tax Dollars, The Divider, The Liar, Theocracy, War Cost, administration, betrayal, civil liberties, civil rights, conspiracy, criminal, dictatorship, disinformation, domestic spying, intelligence, national intelligence, profiteers, resonsibility, taxpayers, wiretapping | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL