The Hill: NSA reform stalls in committee

The Hill: NSA reform stalls in committee by Julian Hattem:

Legislation to rein in the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs has stalled in the House and Senate.

More than 130 House lawmakers in both parties have signed on as co-sponsors to legislation that would prevent the NSA from collecting bulk records about people’s phone calls. In the Senate, companion legislation has won 20 co-sponsors.

Both bills, however, have been stuck in their chambers’ respective Judiciary Committees since October, and committee aides say there are no plans to move them soon.

So, Congress, the body to determine public policy in surveillance, doesn’t care. But this is, however, the “do nothing Congress.” Used to be we could count on Congress to handle issues like this, like wiretapping and FISA reform in the 60-70’s when the Nixon Administration claimed power to surveil virtually anybody under the guise of “national security.” Not anymore.

Therefore, those of us complaining have to turn to the courts.