IP Democracy: Tech and Internet Legislation Left Up in the Air

PC World’s Grant Gross has this quick-and-easy read on all the pieces of tech and Internet-related legislation that are unfinished and awaiting Congress’ return from a month-long mid-term elections break. Congress has adjourned until November 9, when everyone returns for a “lame-duck” session.

This particular lame-duck session promises to be a wilder and woolier legislative period than most — lame duck sessions can turn into legislative free-for-alls — given that the Republican majority in Congress is increasingly at risk.

Still pending before Congress are bills that

1. Address pretexting — Congress was already contemplating the prohibition of pretexting in the Prevention of Fraudulent Access to Phone Records Act, even before the HP scandal broke.
   
   
2. Reform telecom laws — Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) is still trying to muster the support he needs to push through his telecom reform bill, known as the Communications, Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006.
   
   
3. Authorize expanded NSA surveillance — two bills that would give President Bush greater authority to use the NSA for snooping without court-ordered warrants are stalled.
   

Stay tuned for a lot of activity by the tired, and for many, voted-out-of-office, legislators after November 9.

Posted by Cynthia Brumfield on October 3, 2006 7:58 AM to IP Democracy