Playing Defense

This morning Sen. Collins and her pal Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) try to argue their way out of a PR jam, pushing back on the idea that their cybersecurity bill is a civil liberties disaster.

If the government knew an attack that could have catastrophic consequences for Americans or our economy was imminent or under way, this legislation would give the president the authority to implement emergency measures protecting a select group of the most important networks and assets needed to maintain our way of life, while still respecting the civil liberties of our citizens.

These emergency measures would have to be the "least disruptive means feasible" and would automatically expire within 30 days. The president could renew the 30-day emergency measures up to three times for a maximum of only 120 days, and after that Congress would have to approve any extension.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think this will satisfy the bill's critics.