Staff Reports
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has abandoned his conservative tenets and capitulated to the deep state and Democrats, an astonishing development. According to reports, Johnson and other congressional leaders reached an agreement to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until April 19, thereby inserting a deep state authorization into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This action has enraged conservatives who were to have input into the NDAA's final texts.
Mike Johnson Backtracks, Caves to Deep State, Democrats on Slipping FBI Spy Power Reauthorization into Defense Bill https://t.co/6V2jHu90aw
— Wendy Kortepeter (@WKortepeter) December 6, 2023
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), an outspoken critic of Johnson's decision, expressed her disapproval in a video statement. She leveled allegations against Johnson, contending that he reached a deal with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in which additional taxpayer funds would be used to finance the proxy conflict in Ukraine, abortion and trans surgeries, and a CLEAN FISA extension. She termed it an absolute sellout and a tremendous victory for the Democrats.
Disappointment has been expressed by those who were engaged in efforts to reform Section 702. Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan (R-OH) vented his ire, stating that he was advising individuals to hold off on signing both measures until they were marked. By including a FISA extension in the NDAA, those who wished to reform the surveillance law lose leverage and this historic opportunity to do so is squandered.
Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) expressed similar apprehensions, contending that the inclusion of Section 702 in the NDAA compromises the will of the American people to oppose warrantless mass surveillance and a robust national defense package. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) expressed disapproval of the decision, characterizing it as a collaboration with Democrats to enact a diluted NDAA and sustain FISA without any reforms.
Clearly, Speaker Johnson's retreat represents a repudiation of conservative principles and a Democratic victory. It is imperative that conservatives maintain a state of constant vigilance and demand that their leaders be held responsible for their conduct.
