- A faction of the US House Republican majority is threatening to block the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows the government to collect Americans' communications if they're connected to foreigners abroad. FOX News (LR: 4 CP: 4)
- Those opposed to the bill, including GOP Reps. Matt Gaetz and Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Tim Burchett of Tennessee, are particularly focused on including a warrant requirement to conduct such surveillance. The Hill
- The FISA database, which many progressive Democrats also oppose, was reportedly improperly searched by the FBI 278K times over several years. However, the FBI and US Dept. of Justice say it's critical for combating drug smuggling, cybercrime, and cross-border crime. Reuters.com
- While Pres. Joe Biden wants it reauthorized, former Pres. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee for 2024, said to "kill it" because, he alleged, it was "illegally used" to spy on his campaign. However, it was Title I of FISA that the FBI used to improperly spy on Trump campaign advisor Carter Paige. Forbes (LR: 3 CP: 5)
- If Democrats vote against the renewal, Republicans can only afford to lose two members to win a majority. The Hill
Pro-establishment narrative:
- Section 702 has been a crucial tool for law enforcement and there are more than enough FBI policies to ensure the government can fight crime while safeguarding Americans' privacy. A warrant requirement, however, would prevent the government from efficiently doing this and put national security at risk.
WASHINGTON POST (LR: 2 CP: 5)
Establishment-critical narrative:
- In addition to leaving out a warrant requirement, this bill expands the government's Section 702 capabilities — making it too easy to violate citizens' right to privacy. Surveillance hawks seem determined to end privacy in America as we know it.
CENTER FOR DEMOCRACY AND TECHNOLOGY