House Democrats reached a bipartisan compromise with Republicans supporting the provisions to grant telecommunications companies’ immunity from prosecution. Telephone companies were facing as many as 40 lawsuits for their involvement in the White House plan.

Democrats claimed that companies should not be automatically granted immunity until it was known what they did. Republicans claimed that firms who cooperated should not be punished. A compromise was reached granting a phone company immunity if it was issued a certificate from the White House stating their participation in the program.

President Bush said, "The bill will allow our intelligence professionals to quickly and effectively monitor the communications of terrorists abroad while respecting the liberties of Americans here at home."

Democratic candidate, Barak Obama voted for the bill, but expressed written opposition on his website claiming, “I would have not written legislation like this.” He then he added, “in a dangerous world, government must have the authority to collect the intelligence we need to protect the American people". Some supporters of Obama expressed disapproval and expressed disparagement over the fact that the Senator claimed he would not vote for the bill.