Narrow Vote on Amash-Conyers Amendment Signals Growing Opposition Toward NSA Program

Washington – This evening, an amendment introduced by Representatives Justin Amash (R-MI) and John Conyers (D-MI) to defund the NSA’s bulk collection of Americans’ phone records was narrowly defeated 205-217.

“We applaud the efforts of Representatives Amash and Conyers in trying to rein in the NSA’s overboard collection of Americans’ phone call records.  While we are disappointed that the amendment did not pass, the incredibly close, bipartisan vote shows that the tide is turning in favor of restoring our fundamental privacy rights,” said CDT President Leslie Harris. “This is only the beginning. As public opposition towards this troubling program grows, CDT will continue to press Congress to put an end to the blanket surveillance of millions of innocent Americans.”