Subscribe
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Senators slam bill that expands government spying

in Opinion
Megan Paulsonby Megan Paulson
January 15, 2013

Tester and Baucus reject legislation, citing constitutional right to privacy

U.S. SENATE – On Dec. 28, Montana’s U.S. Senators rejected a bill that expands the government’s ability to spy on law-abiding Americans.

Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus said the extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, known as FISA, tramples constitutional rights by invading privacy.

How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image.
ADVERTISEMENT

The 2008 legislation allows the government to eavesdrop on phone conversations and intercept emails between lawful Americans and foreign citizens – without a warrant. Both the Obama administration and the Bush administration refused to discuss how the law is being used.

“We have a fundamental responsibility to protect the safety and security of all Americans, but we can and must do it without invading privacy or trampling on our constitutional rights,” Tester said. “Our government should never be in the business of spying on law-abiding Americans.”

“The American people deserve to know exactly how this surveillance authority is being used,” Baucus said. “Without the amendments we supported, this bill leaves the door open for American citizens to get swept up in surveillance that is meant for terrorists, and I simply cannot support extending this authority without stronger protections of the constitutional rights of Montanans.”

Tester earlier this month proposed an amendment to specifically outlaw “reverse targeting,” a controversial practice that effectively allows U.S. intelligence agents to spy on Americans who follow the law, by targeting their overseas communications.

Tester and Baucus were among 23 U.S. Senators – both Democrats and Republicans –who voted against the extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Yellowstone National Park Lodge Yellowstone National Park Lodge
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Outlaw Beat Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Oct 9
October 9 @ 3:00 pm - October 11 @ 5:00 pm Event Series

Big Sky Octoberfest

Oct 10
October 10 @ 3:00 pm - October 12 @ 5:00 pm Event Series

Big Sky Octoberfest

Oct 11
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 11
October 11 @ 3:00 pm - October 13 @ 5:00 pm Event Series

Big Sky Octoberfest

Oct 12
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

Letter from the Publisher: A community thank you to MDT for Highway 64 repairs
Opinion

Letter from the Publisher: A community thank you to MDT for Highway 64 repairs

October 10, 2025
Thriving Landscapes: Wildlife Lives Here Too—Rethinking Your Outdoor Spaces
Environment

Thriving Landscapes: Wildlife Lives Here Too—Rethinking Your Outdoor Spaces

October 1, 2025
County Commissioners support Zinke’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Bill
Environment

County Commissioners support Zinke’s Wild and Scenic Rivers Bill

October 1, 2025
Seizing a once-in-a-generation chance to protect the Gallatin and Madison rivers
Environment

Seizing a once-in-a-generation chance to protect the Gallatin and Madison rivers

September 29, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bozeman News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube