Warrant requirements still a sticking point as Congress eyes renewing government surveillance authority
Courthouse News ServiceJun 15, 2022
US House Pushes Surveillance Legislation
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The Facts
On Wednesday, disagreement among the US House of Representatives forced the scrapping of a floor vote on an amalgamized bill that would reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Without reauthorization, the section’s authorities will expire on April 19, 2024.
Section 702, which allows Washington to gather intel through communications made by non-US citizens using US-based communication methods, was set to expire at the end of 2023 but was given a three-month extension when House Republicans failed to reach an agreement.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The Biden administration and members of the intelligence community are right in pleading with Congress to prevent the lapse of Section 702. Without the indispensable authorities provided by the legislation the intelligence community and agencies like the FBI will be left inept and unable to fulfill their mission of keeping Americans safe from domestic and overseas threats.
Establishment-critical narrative
The House Republicans are waving a fake reform law in front of Americans claiming that it will keep them safe. After 15 years of abuses under a police state, where protesters, political opponents, and racial justice activists have been targeted, it's time for change. Americans must not stand for these unjust and overreaching powers.