The issue focused on legislation adopted by Congress last week that authorized legal prosecution for illegal surveillance under Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act. Lawmakers voted 217 to 215 in favor of the bill. But Democrats warned it may legalize unconstitutional spying and constitutional violations. Some argued it violates Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Supreme Court ruled that warrantless wiretapping was unconstitutional in 1968.

Lawmakers approved Section 702 legislation without sufficient oversight or judicial review. Lawmakers removed provisions prohibiting federal courts from reviewing collection decisions