The law has failed to prevent terrorist plots , says a senator . But ` ` It 's something with enormous potential for terrorism , '' says a member of Cato Institute . The law , passed in 2008 , requires Americans to obtain a permit to spy on any citizen . generally , how many Americans are being swept up under the legislation , '' he said during Thursday 's debate on the Senate floor . Opponents say Americans communicating with persons abroad still could be spied on .
The law has failed to prevent terrorist plots , says a senator . But ` ` It 's something with enormous potential for terrorism , '' says a member of Cato Institute . The law , passed in 2008 , requires Americans to obtain a permit to spy on any citizen . Opponents say Americans communicating with persons abroad still could be spied on .