Many Democrats are at odds with their own leadership over extending domestic surveillance.
At issue between the Senate and House versions is whether to grant legal immunity to telecommunication companies for their role in the secret surveillance program after the 9/11 attacks – a key White House demand. The Senate version of the bill includes immunity for telecoms.
Under the terms of the House bill, a federal district court will decide whether immunity is granted. Only companies, not government officials, could be shielded.
Trolling the aisles during the vote. Rep. José Serrano (D) of New York, who opposed the bill, told colleagues voting for it: "Don't worry, government will give us back our freedoms later."
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