When does the public -- I mean at some point do you allow sort of -- some sort of scrutiny on this outside of the FISA court?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Philip Heymann served in high-ranking Justice Department jobs in the Carter administration, when FISA was passed, and in the Clinton administration.

NPR: Gonzalez: U.S. Surveillance Legal

There's providing money for the I-35 bridge span collapsed in Minnesota, there's authorizing that FISA court that approves spy wire taps, a bill to fund the entire Department of Defense for the next year, and also a massive energy bill to make new efficient standards for electricity and buildings.

NPR: Republicans Protest as Recess Nears in Congress

This came to a head last week because the 2008 version of FISA is set to expire at year's end, and the US House passed a five-year extension with strong bipartisan support.

ENGADGET: Editorial: We, the digitally naked