Phone Companies Off The Hook On Surveillance Data

The House of Representatives has approved a measure which indemnifies telecommunications companies from lawsuits for turning over records to the National Security Agency.

The NSA is using phone records to track suspected terrorists. The agency has been extensively using the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, FISA, to conduct the warrentless wiretaps.

Phone companies feared they could be put out of business for complying if they weren't protected from the potential of billions of dollars in lawsuits.

But some members of Congress who voted nay say the bill allows for phone companies to invade the privacy of their customers. The ACLU says it compromises constitutional rights.

The measure is also expected to be approved in the Senate and then signed into law by Pres. Bush.