This would be one positive consequence of Ed Snowden’s revelations:
The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is pushing to fast-track legislation that would require police to obtain a warrant before accessing emails and other private online messages.
Sen. Patrick Leahy’s (D-Vt.) goal is for the Senate to unanimously approve his bill before the August recess, according to one of his committee aides. Any opposition could delay a vote until after Congress returns in the fall.
He has secured unanimous support from his fellow Democrats and is in negotiations with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the Judiciary Committee’s ranking member, and other Republicans to address their concerns.
Sen. Leahy was already working on this bill, which he passed through his committee in April. But the controversy over Snowden has given the bill momentum. However, it would not impact NSA programs, only local and state law enforcement. So, the Snowden effect is only indirect.
