Senate Kicks Off FISA Debate

The Senate began debate Wednesday night on a bill to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) failed to secure a 30-day extension of the bill.

With the current law set to expire on Feb 1., the failure of the extension leaves just eight days for the Senate to complete action on the contentious issue--a feat in and of itself. However, before the bill can be sent to the president, it must be reconciled with a House-passed version that does not contain immunity for telecommunications companies—a divisive issue within the Democratic caucus. 

To further complicate matters, Republican leaders on Capitol Hill have vowed to block any measure that does not include immunity for telecommunications companies for assisting the government.

“I think it’s going to be very difficult for both Houses to negotiate and pass a final bill prior to the February 1 expiration date,” said Reid on Thursday morning. “But that’s what we have to do and so we have no alternative.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) praised Reid’s decision to take up the bill, saying; “It would be grossly irresponsible for Congress to weaken it or let it lapse.”

On Wednesday, Senate Select Intelligence Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) told the Crypt he was confident a bill with immunity for telecomm companies will pass.

Earlier in the day, however, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) vowed to filibuster any measure that includes the immunity provision, setting up a potential clash within Reid’s own caucus.