Bush hails FISA passage

President Bush on Wednesday hailed the passage of an update to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, saying the bipartisan vote “shows that even in an election year we can come together and get important pieces of legislation passed.”

The Senate had passed the measure 69-28 earlier in the day.

{mosads}Bush thanked Republicans and Democrats alike for their work on getting the bill passed.

“This vital intelligence bill will allow our national security professionals to quickly and effectively monitor the plans of terrorists outside the United States, while respecting the liberties of the American people,” Bush said.

The president said he would soon sign the legislation into law. It includes a controversial provision that will shield telecommunications companies who helped the Bush administration following the September 11, 2001, attacks against lawsuits.

“This bill will help our intelligence professionals learn who the terrorists are talking to, what they're saying, and what they're planning,” Bush stated. “It will ensure that those companies whose assistance is necessary to protect the country will, themselves, be protected from lawsuits for past or future cooperation with the government.”