On the one hand, I'm generally opposed to the "We can't muster up the will or smarts to actually pass legislation restricting something, so we'll just remove the money from it" kinds of tactics. It seems weaselly and sloppy, leaving something legal but unfunded.
(Also, one assumes that the CIA and NSA both have black budgets that are either not on the books or not open to full scrutiny; it's unclear that this amendment would effectively block that funding, too.)
On the other hand, this seems a distinct setback against the NSA and CIA willy-nilly electronically spying on Americans (or whatever the definition of the odd term "a United States person" is), at least. So bravo to the House, and here's hoping that the Senate goes along.
Reshared post from +Les Jenkins
Wow. That's an unexpected development.
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House votes 293-123 to cut funding for NSA spying on Americans
The amendment would also stop “backdoors” from being built into tech products.
Now you think they could agree on some other issues? Nah… just kidding.
Honestly, when I read about the House passing anything, I immediately look for how and why it's going to be a problem.