House Democrats have followed through on a vow to let a surveillance law expire, refusing to authorize a new bill before a Saturday deadline. President Bush had been pushing the House to mirror a Senate vote making last year’s revisions to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act permanent. The changes expanded government authority to eavesdrop on the international telephone calls and email messages of U.S. citizens without warrants. House Democrats say their objection centers around a provision granting immunity for telecommunication companies that helped the government spy. In his weekly radio address, President Bush took aim at Democratic opposition.

President Bush: “By failing to act, Congress has created a question about whether private sector companies who assist in our efforts to defend you from the terrorists could be sued for doing the right thing. Now, these companies will be increasingly reluctant to provide this vital cooperation, because of their uncertainty about the law and fear of being sued by class-action trial lawyers.”

Bush went on to repeat his accusation that Democrats are endangering American lives, saying, “Because Congress failed to act, it will be harder for our government to keep you safe from terrorist attack.” Democrats have accused Bush of fear mongering, because there will be little practical effect on government spying. The National Security Agency will retain the same surveillance powers it held before the revisions were approved last August. Officials will only have to seek a court warrant if they want to spy on a previously unknown target.