GOP wants to tack FISA bill onto war supplemental

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) announced Thursday that he will try to attach a measure updating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as an amendment to the war supplemental bill. Rep Lewis, the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, said he would make the move if the war funding bill is taken up by the panel. "It’s time for the Democratic leaders to put our national security ahead of the desires of trial lawyers and pass the FISA bill that was passed by the Senate,” the lawmaker said. “This Congress should make this legislation one of its top priorities until the intelligence gap is closed.” Caroline Fredrickson, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Washington Legislative Office said, "Contrary to the administration’s persistent fear mongering, the expiration of the Protect America Act has not caused the collapse of our intelligence capabilities. All that has happened is that an unnecessary law has not been renewed. In fact, while testifying before Congress yesterday, FBI Director Mueller claimed he was unaware of any wiretaps being imperiled or denied since the PAA lapsed. As all sides continue to negotiate on FISA reform, we strongly urge the House to remain steadfast. The House stood strong last month and we expect it to do so again. The bottom line here is that we are nine months away from a new president. There is no reason for this Congress to hand this administration a going away present of unfettered and warrantless wiretapping."
http://thehill.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=72871&Itemi...