Filibuster threat means Trump needs Senate Democrats to pass spying bill

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has vowed to filibuster extension of FISA spying powers without additional privacy protections. (credit: Sen Ron Wyden) The House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would extend a controversial government spying power known as “Section 702” for another six years—without new privacy safeguards that had been sought by civil liberties groups. […]

A Democratic filibuster is underway to prevent Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation to the Supreme Court

REUTERS/Joshua Roberts WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate moved on Tuesday toward ramming through approval of President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee this week, as its top Republican said he had the votes to wipe away Democratic roadblocks but vowed to preserve the minority party’s ability to hold up legislation. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans […]