Russ Feingold: “I strongly oppose S. 2248. This bill is deeply flawed in ways that will have a direct impact on the privacy of…”

“I strongly oppose S. 2248. This bill is deeply flawed in ways that will have a direct impact on the privacy of Americans. Along with several other Members of this body, I have offered modest amendments that would have permitted the government to obtain the intelligence it needs, while providing the checks and balances required to safeguard our constitutional rights. Unfortunately, under intense administration pressure marked by inaccurate and misleading scare tactics, the Senate has buckled. And we are left with a very dangerous piece of legislation. The railroading of Congress began last summer, when the administration rammed through the so-called Protect America Act, vastly expanding the government's ability to eavesdrop without a court-approved warrant. That legislation was rushed through this Chamber in a climate of fear--fear of terrorist attacks, and fear of not appearing sufficiently strong on national security. There was very little understanding of what the legislation actually did. But there was one silver lining: The bill had a 6-month sunset to force Congress to do its homework and reconsider the approach it took. Unfortunately, with far too few exceptions, the damage has not been undone.”