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May 26, 2015

Lapse of Bulk Phone Spying Likely as Senate Fails to Reach Deal 
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The Obama administration's authority to collect Americans' phone records
in bulk will likely expire next week after senators from both parties
rejected attempts to extend it. First, the Republican-led Senate
rejected a House-passed measure to curb bulk spying by keeping the
records with phone companies instead of the government. The Senate then
rejected a bid by Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc Connell to extend the
current bulk spying program for two months. Next, Republican Senator
Rand Paul, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden and Democratic Senator Martin
Heinrich shot down attempts by Mc Connell to extend the powers by as
little as one day. The Senate adjourned and will reconvene May 31, the
day before the program expires.

 

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