Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, including allowing electronic surveillance of foreigners outside the U.S. without a court order and granting immunity to electronic communication surveillance providers.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to acquire foreign intelligence information from foreigners located outside the United States for a period up to one year, including requiring electronic communication service providers to immediately provide the Government with information and assistance (Sec. 101).

• Allows the Attorney General to authorize the emergency employment of electronic surveillance for up to 168 hours without a judicial order (Sec. 105).

• Prohibits information obtained from intelligence acquisition from electronic communication service providers from being used as evidence in any trial, hearing, or other proceedings within the United States if the Court finds no probable cause, unless the Attorney General deems the information indicates a threat of death or bodily harm to a person (Sec. 101).

• Requires the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to review and certify targeting and minimization procedures for acquiring intelligence information (Sec. 101).

S 2248 was substituted into HR 3773. See HR 3773 for further actions.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text