18 FEB 08 / "Congress Fumbles FISA"

The Democrats in Congress have allowed the Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act to lapse. It had been granted a 4 month extension by Congress before the end of last year.

Terrorist Surveillance Act was passed by the Senate, but leaders in the Democratic majority blocked the legislation from coming to a vote in the House.

domestic eavesdropping

What happens with criminal evidence gathered that does not pertain to terrorism?

immunity to companies that help the federal government access communications between

In remarks at his most recent press conference, President Bush asserted that private telecommunications companies will not likely help the federal government gather intelligence on terrorist plots if they can be the target of future lawsuits.

The legislation grants companies retroactive immunity from lawsuits that provided the United States with information after the

monitor communications between suspected terrorists. lawyers will be able to sue telephone companies that have granted the government access to those phone calls and emails.

class-action lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in damages