Staff Reports
A new change in the law to renew the government’s main tool for spying has caused concern in the Senate as it rushes to extend the authority before the deadline on Friday. The update to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, introduced by House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner and Democratic representative Jim Himes, includes a provision to expand the government’s power to request the transmission or storage of electronic communications from cable TV installers and data centers.
A group of senators, including Ron Wyden and Mike Lee, are opposing the renewal of the FISA bill and seeking to put in place stricter protections. They argue that the provision added by Turner and Himes would lead to an expansion of government surveillance and an infringement on the privacy of Americans.
Senators balk at surveillance law expansion that could loop in cable providershttps://t.co/md5KWDaDet pic.twitter.com/UOHnUE2ac8
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 16, 2024
Attorney Marc Zwillinger pointed out that the provision broadens the definition of an “electronic communications service provider” that the government can compel to transmit or store communications. He mentioned that the expansion could encompass various individuals and entities, such as delivery personnel, cleaning contractors, and utility providers, who have access to communications equipment in their physical space.
Despite the opposition, Senate Democratic and GOP leaders are pushing for a two-year reauthorization of the surveillance power, emphasizing the importance of the tool in preventing terrorist attacks and other threats. They argue that the data collected under Section 702 of the FISA is lawfully obtained and entirely reasonable under the constitution.
The House has already passed the bill, and lawmakers are under pressure to come to a decision before the Section 702 deadline on Friday. The debate continues as senators clash over the balance between protecting national security and safeguarding the privacy rights of American citizens.
