As recently reported, Sen. DeWine (R-OH) introduced a bill that would, in essence, codify the President's surveillance conduct. Some details of that bill are provided in the extended entry below, including information to help anyone interested read and track the actual bill without relying on the media.
Remember: Sen. DeWine is up for reelection this year and the word is his seat is among the most vulnerable. His opponent, Rep. Sherrod Brown, has a record of protecting Americans' civil liberties. Among other things, Brown was one of only a handful in Congress to vote against the Patriot Act back in 2001. As an Ohioan, I'm going to do everything I can to get Brown elected to the Senate. I hope others will join me in that effort.
As recently reported, Sen. DeWine (R-OH) introduced a bill that would, in essence, codify the President's surveillance conduct. Some details of that bill are provided below, including information to help anyone interested read and track the actual bill without relying on the media.
Remember: Sen. DeWine is up for reelection this year and the word is his seat is among the most vulnerable. His opponent, Rep. Sherrod Brown, has a record of protecting Americans' civil liberties. Among other things, Brown was one of only a handful in Congress to vote against the Patriot Act back in 2001.
DeWine's attempt to expand the President's surveillance powers is S. 2455, the "Terrorist Surveillance Act of 2006."
As reported, S. 2455 would allow the President to conduct surveillance for up to 45 days without a court order. There are conditions, but all favor the President.
S. 2455 also goes after leakers, who face up to 15 years in prison, a $1 million dollar fine, or both, if the person "discloses information identifying or describing, whether in whole or in part, electronic surveillance authorized by ... the Terrorist Surveillance Act of 2006, or any other information relating to the Terrorist Surveillance Program under that Act or any program of surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 ... to any individual not authorized to receive such information."
Another section allows the Attorney General to order any "provider of communication services or common carrier" to furnish information, facilities and technical assistance needed to carry out the surveillance.
S. 2455 was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which Sen. DeWine is a member.
The text of S. 2455 is available at the Thomas site maintained by the Library of Congress.