Fears of Trump Winning Shape Surveillance Law Negotiations
TimeDEC 2023
In a world gripped by violence — and with the US facing more threats than ever before, from Iran-backed terrorists to the Chinese government — Section 702 of FISA allows the US government to collect critical intelligence on foreigners abroad to protect the nation. While the Intelligence Committee bill would make much-needed reforms, it would keep America's core intelligence capabilities alive. Meanwhile, its alternative degrades US intelligence capabilities and puts Americans at greater risk.
Under FISA's current rules, the CIA, NSA, and other intel agencies have spied on over 200K Americans without warrants in the last year alone. That figure included a number of egregious violations, such as spying on domestic campaigners, journalists, and even members of Congress. The Judiciary Committee bill would make the necessary reforms to reign in the unconstitutional parts of FISA. Its alternative, the Intelligence Committee bill, plans to expand FISA's scope, only leading to more violations.