NSA Vote Splits Parties, Jars Leaders
Spineless Congressmen don't like the NSA Domestic Spying so vote for a "Fig Leaf" instead.
To try to siphon off this anger — and provide political cover for wavering lawmakers — the Intelligence panel effectively took over a second, less threatening amendment that had been crafted initially by Rep. Richard Nugent (R-Fla.).
Nugent told POLITICO that he had abandoned the proposal because he didn’t think it achieved the purpose he wanted. But with the leadership’s blessing, Rep. Mike Pompeo, a member of the Intelligence Committee, brought it to a vote in his name, winning easily 409-12.
Critics contended it was a “fig leaf” and only restated current law. But it also gave members a vote to express their concerns without jeopardizing the NSA’s ability to continue as it has.
