(TargetLiberty.org) – President Biden signed legislation on Saturday that extends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s (FISA) warrantless surveillance program for an additional two years.
The bill, which allows continued surveillance on foreign individuals abroad and incidentally collects data on Americans in communication with these individuals, passed the Senate earlier that day. After intense discussions that stretched into the early hours, the Senate approved the bill with a 60-34 vote, just before the program was set to expire.
This legislative action, termed the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, introduces several modifications to FISA Section 702 but has not fully met the expectations of those concerned about privacy rights.
In response to the bill’s passage, the White House released a statement praising the efforts of Congress. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted that the legislation not only preserves critical intelligence gathering tools but also incorporates unprecedented reforms aimed at protecting privacy and civil liberties.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) emphasized on Friday that the bill represents more than just a simple extension; it’s a reformative measure designed to address various issues previously identified with Section 702.
The debate surrounding this legislation revealed significant disagreements within both political parties about a program that has been in place for 15 years. While some argue that it is essential for national security, others see it as a major violation of American privacy rights.
The bill’s journey through Congress was marked by challenges, including opposition from a group of 19 Republican House members who blocked a procedural vote to advance the debate, although their action ultimately did not lead to any policy changes.
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