Ben Cardin’s Amendment 3930 to FISA legislation just failed 49-46. 60 “yes” votes were needed to pass, based on the negotiated agreement by the Senate Democratic and Republican leadership.

The Cardin Amendment would have limited the SSCI bill to a 4 year extension. Since it failed, whatever new legislation is passed will sunset in 6 years.

We expect more votes on FISA amendments today, but doubt that the Dodd-Feingold amendment to strip retroactive immunity.