Friday, February 01, 2008

Stimulus Packages and Surveillance Bills

The House voted on Tuesday to approve a $146 billion fiscal stimulus package, 385 to 35. But many the Senate are still looking to make changes. Votes are expected next week.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats managed to defeat a cloture vote on a permanent bill to make the FISA changes the Bush administration wants that includes telecom immunity. This caused Republican leader Mitch McConnell to relent on allowing a short-term extension of the current law, which the House also passed this week. However, President Bush has threatened to veto any short-term extension for some reason. Under his own logic, wouldn't such a move put the U.S. under risk of terrorist attack without needed surveillance? I guess telecom immunity is more important than protecting America!

No comments: