BackUS Senate to return on 31 May to debate stalled NSA surveillance plan
Senators refused to consider a House plan to revise NSA spying programs or a 2-month extension of the current law
Premium
Washington: The Senate said they would leave for a one- week recess after lawmakers couldn’t agree on extending US spy programs the Obama administration said are needed to protect against terrorist attacks.
Senators decided to return to work a day before 1June expiration to try to find a compromise.
Senators refused early Saturday to consider a House plan to revise National Security Agency spying programs or a two-month extension of the current law.
After majority leader Mitch McConnell then proposed keeping the NSA measures in place for an extra week or even a day, fellow Kentucky Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky objected, and McConnell declared an impasse.
“This is a high threat period and we know what’s going on overseas," McConnell said on the Senate floor. “My colleagues, do we really want this law to expire?"
“We’d better be ready next Sunday afternoon to prevent the country from being in danger," said McConnell.
When the Senate returns, if lawmakers can’t strike a deal the NSA’s programs will be firmly Paul’s hands. Under Senate rules, debate on a bill takes about a week — yet lawmakers will only have a couple of hours.
Paul, a Republican presidential candidate, held the Senate floor for more than 10 hours earlier this week pledging to block the bill. Bloomberg
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
