The issue focused on NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden's disclosures about surveillance practices by the agency and prompted renewed criticism from lawmakers over privacy protections for citizens. The bills failed in committee last week after amendments aimed at reforming NSA spying powers were stripped out of an appropriations bill approved by Congress earlier this month.Yesterday was Father's Day. Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day. Tomorrow will be Valentine's Day. Today we celebrate Halloween. Last night I ate cake (sort of), drank booze, danced around my bedroom floor (actually kinda hard to