For instance, the U.S. intelligence community can target phone calls of an Iraqi citizen overseas, but that person's call to someone in Pakistan might be routed through a telecommunications switch in the United States.

CNN: What it is in the new intelligence bill

Also on the table is the bill approving the administration's five-year-old program for tapping U.S. phones without a warrant if a call comes in from a suspected terrorist overseas.

NPR: Lawmakers Have Full Plate for Lame-Duck Session

"YOU ARE ABOUT TO call overseas using RSL Communications' Delta Three Internet network, " squawks the speakerphone in Itzhak Fisher's office.

FORBES: Srpska calling

"You are about to call overseas using RSL Communications' Delta Three Internet network, " squawks the speakerphone in Itzhak Fisher's Manhattan office.

FORBES: Srpska calling