Back to News & Commentary

Warrantless Wiretapping Program Expires in Three Weeks: What Will the Senate Do?

Michelle Richardson,
Legislative Counsel, ACLU Washington Legislative Office
Share This Page
December 10, 2012

As we've told you many times, we believe the FISA Amendments Act is unconstitutional and have taken it to the Supreme Court . There’s not a vote in sight in the Senate. Frankly, that’s not a bad thing. We won't be disappointed if it sunsets on Dec. 31, as scheduled.

However, it's likely the Senate will eventually vote to reauthorize FISA, and its extraordinary authority to collect international communications coming in and out of the U.S. without a warrant. But senators Wyden, Leahy, Merkley and Tester are working hard to offer amendments that would increase transparency about the use of this very powerful spying law and insert common- sense protections for Americans' information.

With just two weeks until Christmas recess, will the Senate dedicate time to a robust debate about our Constitutional rights and vote on pressing privacy issues? Or will FISA slip by in the dead of night?

Click for more information on the state of play in the Senate for FISA.

Learn more about FISA: Sign up for breaking news alerts, , and .

Learn More About the Issues on This Page