Senate Approves Extension Of FISA Surveillance Just After Deadline

It was technically after the deadline, but liberals did it.

Their warrantless surveillance program passed.

Senators voted 60-34 to send the bill to Joe Biden's desk shortly after the midnight deadline for a lapse in expanded surveillance powers.

The legislation means that for another two years, the government will be able to spy on foreigners located abroad, a process that intrudes on the privacy of any Americans with whom these foreigners communicate.

Many Republicans aren't a fan of such intrusive measures, but it's hard to get Chuck Schumer and the rest of the liberals to agree with the idea that governments should have less power, not more.

"All day long, we persisted and persisted and persisted in hopes of reaching a breakthrough, and I am glad we got it done," Schumer proudly announced with obvious relief in his voice.

"Allowing FISA to expire would have been dangerous. It’s an important part of our national security toolkit and helps law enforcement stop terrorist attacks, drug trafficking and violent extremism," Schumer said.

Well, technically they did allow it to lapse, as the vote hadn't yet passed when the old statute expired at midnight.

It's unclear if that's going to cause any difficulties moving forward, though.

Schumer even faced stiff opposition from within his own caucus, which highlights how truly controversial this vote really was.

Oregon Democrat Sen. Ron Wyden argued AGAINST FISA passing:

Searches have gone after American protesters, political campaign donors, even people who simply reported crimes to the FBI. The abuses have been extensive and well documented.

Wyden has gone so far as to vow to "do everything in my power to stop it from passing the Senate."

Unfortunately, it looks like Big Chuck couldn't be stopped.

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