Hoyer "hopeful" FISA Can Pass Before Memorial Day

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said Tuesday he is “hopeful” that Congress can pass a long-stalled electronic surveillance measure before the Memorial Day recess, as deadlines for finishing work on the controversial measure continue to slide.

“I am hopeful we can come to an agreement before the Memorial Day break,” said Hoyer in a press conference.

Still, a lot of heavy lifting remains.

When asked by a reporter if Democrats were having a “substantive” discussion with the White House over the measure, Hoyer replied “sort of,” saying that the “parameters” of a compromise had been discussed but “not the specifics.”

Hoyer did say that the relevant committee chairman and staff members were meeting “almost every day” to try and reach an agreement. He also indicated that he had been in preliminary talks with some members of the administration.

Two weeks ago, Hoyer said he thought the White House was willing to negotiate a compromise on the issue, but so far it appears there has been little substantive progress.

 
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