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Rep. Jayapal opposes reauthorization of FISA
The privacy of Americans should be of the utmost importance to our government, and yet, we have seen too many examples of unchecked, warrantless surveillance of Americans, Jayapal said.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal /
US Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Warren Davidson, Zoe Lofgren, and Andy Biggs jointly penned a letter expressing their opposition to reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in conjunction with the National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA).
In a letter addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell, the lawmakers highlighted their privacy concerns.
“The privacy of Americans should be of the utmost importance to our government, and yet, we have seen too many examples of unchecked, warrantless surveillance of Americans,” said Rep. Jayapal. “An overhaul is necessary to protect Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights and their sensitive, personal data. Section 702 reauthorization should be subject to strong scrutiny and debate and cannot be included in larger, must-pass legislation. Congress must work to stop the government from warrantlessly spying on Americans.”
Alongside Representatives Jayapal, Davidson, Lofgren, and Biggs, 51 colleagues from both Republican and Democrat parties have joined in opposing the reauthorization of FISA through the NDAA or any other legislative vehicle deemed as "must-pass."
“If Section 702 is to be reauthorized for even a single day, it must be through standalone legislation subject to robust, open debate and amendment. This controversial law has a history of abuse, including spying on Americans, including tens of thousands of protesters as well as journalists, campaign supporters, and members of the US. Congress, and Presidential campaigns,” the letter read.
“Furthermore, many members of Congress, including the chairs of the committees of jurisdiction in both chambers, have stated their firm opposition to reauthorizing the law in its current form,” it underscored.
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