Dear John,
Congress is gearing up for a high-profile fight over REAUTHORIZING A
HANDFUL OF CONTROVERSIAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMS months before the 2020
elections.
Lawmakers now have 14 working days to figure out if and how they will
reauthorize expiring provisions of the USA Freedom Act by the March 15
deadline.
This comes as the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS WORKING ON REFORMS RELATED TO
THE FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACT (FISA). It's likely that these
forthcoming ideas could be included as part of the debate over
reauthorizing the USA Freedom provisions.
What's Being Debated?
* Among the expiring provisions that Congress needs to make decisions on
is a controversial records program, known as SECTION 215, THAT GATHERED
METADATA ON DOMESTIC TEXT MESSAGES AND PHONE CALLS.
* They'll also need to make decisions on two other provisions -- one
authorizing “ROVING” WIRETAPS and the other on LONE WOLF SURVEILLANCE
AUTHORITY.
* Reps. Doug Collins [1] (R-Ga.) and Devin Nunes [2] (R-Calif.) -- the
top Republicans on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees,
respectively -- sent a letter to Jerry Nadler over the recess pitching THE
USA FREEDOM DEBATE AS A VEHICLE FOR MAKING FISA CHANGES.
As technology continues to evolve, the operation and communications habits
of America's enemies will continue to change and adapt. In light of this
dynamic environment, WE SUPPORT THE REAUTHORIZATION OF OUR ABILITY TO
MONITOR SUCH COMMUNICATIONS. However, it is critical this is done in a way
that DOESN'T INFRINGE UPON THE PRIVACY AND LIBERTY OF INNOCENT AMERICAN
CITIZENS.
The goal of prioritizing transparency is likely to be met with resistance
from the national security establishment and its proxies on the National
Security Council.
This matter may soon require action from each and every one of you, but for
now, WE JUST WANT TO KEEP YOU INFORMED.
[3]
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