WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. telephone companies that took part in President George W. Bush’s warrantless domestic spying program could be shielded from billions of dollars in lawsuits under a electronic spy bill finalized on Thursday by congressional and White House negotiators.
Under the measure, federal courts would determine if the evidence supports protection of companies from civil liability.
They would be able to dismiss a suit if there is written certification that the White House asked a company to participate and assured it of the legality of the warrantless surveillance that Bush secretly began after the September 11 attacks.
With legal action pending against major telecommunications companies, House Republican Whip Roy Blunt said courts will make the call but predicted, "The lawsuits will be dismissed."
The bill would provide the most sweeping overhaul of U.S. spy powers in decades. In addition to court review of lawsuits, it would increase judicial and congressional oversight of U.S. intelligence activities and bolster protection of civil liberties — but not as much as some advocates would like.
A vote on the bipartisan bill was set for Friday in the Democratic-led House of Representatives, which was expected to approve it overwhelmingly.
It would then be sent to the Democratic-led Senate, which is expected to give it final congressional approval next week and send it to Bush to sign into law.
"It’s a balanced bill," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat. She did not say how she would vote, however. "I could argue it either way," she told reporters. Continued…
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