On Wednesday June 22nd the Senate blocked an amendment that would allow the federal law enforcement direct access to email, texts messages, and internet browsing history of civilians.
This amendment was rejected by just two votes short of the necessary 60 votes to move ahead with the measure. The measure was introduced earlier this week by Senator John McCain (Arizona, Republican) in order to “attract lone wolves” in light of the recent mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub earlier in June. This amendment would mean that the court does not need to approve the FBI’s demands to records associated with online communications.
McCain defended his position saying, “We aren’t asking for content, we’re asking for usage” and “This is an important tool.” However, there rhetoric around the opposition to this bill was hypocritical of defending gun rights while pushing for a measure that would undercut a constitutional prohibition against unlawful searches and seizures. The majority leader Senator Mitch McConnell (Republican, Kentucky), switched his vote at the last minute and submitted a motion to reconsider the vote following the defeat.
It is possible that an amendment to this measure will be made and could be brought back up the senate as early as next week.
Source: idropnews.com