Conservative groups press for FISA reform ahead of Wednesday House vote: ‘Politically weaponized’
FOX NewsFeb 19
House Conservatives Threaten to Block FISA Renewal
Image copyright: Kevin Dietsch/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images (March 2024)
The Facts
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.
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 Spin
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.
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.