General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Senators To Obama: Hey You Can End Bulk Phone Data Collection Today; Obama: Ha, Ha, Ha, Nope! [View all]msanthrope
(37,549 posts)but he believes he lacks the authority to do so without Congress....
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/27/fact-sheet-administration-s-proposal-ending-section-215-bulk-telephony-m
Note...the President did implement the reforms he could do on his own.
I explain this a little more in my post # 95 about Congressional intent...and the intent of Congress has been clear since 2006, all the reauthorizations of Section 215, and the House's latest bill. The Congress does not wish to end bulk collection.
When Wyden and Udall talk about "authority" they are not talking about power, per se....they are talking about execution of the laws, of the clear intent of Congress. I understand their point...I just think they woefully underestimate the ability of the House to draw articles.