Bush Nears a Victory Over Spying Powers

Wall Street Journal ^ | December 17, 2007 | Siobhan Gorman and Evan Perez

[CutePuppy]

WASHINGTON -- The Senate appears poised to hand the White House another victory with a measure that would make permanent an expansion of government spy powers and shield phone companies from liability for assisting government eavesdropping.

With floor consideration scheduled to start today, Democrats are split on how to cut back on the administration's surveillance powers. The only option that appears to have sufficient backing is a bipartisan measure the White House has blessed. Opponents of the White House-backed bill are increasingly predicting a White House win.

If the White House prevails this week, it will be the latest example of President Bush's ability to outmaneuver his opponents in Congress, especially on controversial matters of national security, despite his weakened public support.

Such a result will give Republicans the upper hand in fashioning a final compromise with the House in January, when Democrats may be more willing to compromise for fear of appearing weak on national security as election season heats up. The House has passed a version of the bill that doesn't include telecom immunity. The Senate version is likely to prevail because it has Republican support, according to lawmakers and Congressional staffers.

.....

For telecommunications companies and the White House, immunity is a vital issue, albeit a contentious one. The White House says it is a must-have provision because it would stop some 40 lawsuits filed against companies alleged to have aided a post-9/11 National Security Agency warrantless surveillance program.

Administration officials say such lawsuits will bankrupt companies that were trying only to help their country. Phone companies have also been quietly pushing for blanket immunity, fretting that they are viewed as tools of the U.S. government.

.....

[CutePuppy]

Another day, another defeat for the most unpopular and unproductive Congress in history.

[CutePuppy]

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[Bastiat_Fan]

This is a very good thing. This issue should be decided in Congress, not the courts. I for one, am glad we’ll be getting some clarity on the issue.

[jwh_Denver]

“permanent an expansion of government spy powers”

You’ll get it whether you like it or not (you won’t)