Congress Extends Surveillance Power

Big Brother is sticking around a little longer. Congress approved a measure Friday to extend controversial surveillance authority for five more years, despite objections that the bill does not properly protect citizens’ privacy. The legislation specifically allows the government to eavesdrop on communications involving foreign citizens in the U.S. without obtaining warrants. The bill passed the Senate by a 73-23 vote, and is credited with exposing plots against U.S. targets. Those against the legislation were concerned that the intelligence agencies could search communications of U.S. citizens who communicate with foreigners without warrants through a “backdoor search loophole.”