Whereas, the checks and balances of our Constitution have been weakened by authorizing the Executive branch to conduct electronic surveillance ("wiretapping") of American citizens, without warrants and without accountability;

Whereas, Congress and, notably, the Senate Judiciary Committee have been unable to obtain answers from the Bush Administration concerning the full extent of its warrantless wiretapping programs;

Whereas, the Foreign Intelligence Security Act 1978 (FISA) specifically provides for special courts to issue warrants for the wiretapping of Americans as and when required;

Whereas, judicial oversight has never proven to be a significant factor in delaying such surveillance and this oversight has been weakened by the Protect America Act 2007, which extends and amends FISA;

Whereas, the Protect America Act allows for warrantless surveillance of any person “reasonably believed to be located outside the United Statesâ€