The Senate last week passed legislation that would weaken judicial oversight of domestic spying and grant retroactive immunity to telecom companies that allegedly broke the law by participating in the president's warrantless surveillance program. Republicans in the House then blocked a 21-day extension of the Protect America Act that would have given Congress time to reconcile the Senate bill with surveillance legislation passed by the House in November. Cato scholars respond to the controversy:
- "Congress Ignores Fear-Mongering. World Doesn't End," by Timothy B. Lee
- "No, a President Can't Do as He Pleases," by Edward H. Crane and Robert A. Levy
- "Telecom Amnesty," by Timothy B. Lee