NSA reform bill could hit snag in Senate

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) isn't ready to endorse a House plan that would reauthorize expiring portions of the Patriot Act while curbing the government’s surveillance powers. Chairman Grassley could emerge as a possible obstacle to reforms of the National Security Agency (NSA). Chairman Grassley won’t support the new USA Freedom Act “until I have discussions with people on the Intelligence Committee,” he said.

He did not point to any specific objections, but said that his concerns were about “just finding the balance between national security and privacy.” The bill is scheduled to be unveiled in the House in the next few days. Leaders of the House Judiciary Committee are also planning to mark it up this week, which could put it on the fast track to the House floor in the days afterward.