Today's Vote on NSA Spying Is Vital, Whether It Succeeds or Not
Every congressional representative is about to go on record: Do they support data collection on all phone calls or not?
Do you know what your Congressional representative thinks about NSA spying?
You're about to find out.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote as soon as today on an amendment that would block the NSA's ability to collect records about every phone call made in the U.S. -- a significant, potentially history-altering effort to rein in the surveillance state built in secret by the executive branch. Rep. Justin Amash, a Michigan Republican, is the congressman pushing the effort, which would be considered as part of a larger bill by the Senate if it passes. He says he is optimistic.
The Obama Administration has urged Congress to scrap the amendment, releasing a statement that may be the least self-aware thing I've seen this year: "This blunt approach is not the product of an informed, open, or deliberative process," the White House stated, referring to a public vote on the House floor that would help end a secret policy approved by a secret court.