Staff Reports
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan (R-OH) is preparing to disclose a plan to rein in Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), also known as the deep-state surveillance program. Designed to provoke strong opposition from Jordanian conservatives, progressives, and libertarians, this contentious program is scheduled to reach its expiration by the conclusion of the current year.
Jim Jordan Zeroes In on Deep-State Surveillance Solution
GET RID OF IT COMPLETELY!!!! https://t.co/N1g6G4Ud0i— Fred Johnson (@FredJoh26842729) December 5, 2023
According to draft text examined by Breitbart News, the forthcoming legislation is anticipated to cause a stir by requiring a warrant for any information pertaining to Americans that is requested under Section 702. This represents a significant deviation from the existing policy that does not mandate a warrant for such inquiries. The legislation, as stated by Representative Andy Biggs (R-Arizona), seeks to protect the rights of the American people in accordance with the Fourth Amendment and the Constitution.
In addition, the measure is expected to prohibit intelligence and law enforcement agencies from purchasing private information about Americans through data brokers, a practice that has been called into question for violating the Fourth Amendment. In addition, the proposed legislation establishes penalties for violations of FISA and restricts the number of FBI agents authorized to access the Section 702 database.
However, the approach taken by the Judiciary Committee is not supported by all. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), an Intelligence Committee member, has expressed his disapproval of the warrant requirement in the Judiciary measure, comparing it to the police obtaining a warrant each time they conduct a license plate check at a traffic stop.
Partially due to internal conflicts regarding the reform strategy, the potential for a temporary extension of Section 702 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is also generating considerable controversy. Although congressional leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and others, eagerly await the inclusion of an extension in the NDAA, the prospect infuriates numerous conservatives. Indeed, a letter was composed by 54 bipartisan lawmakers to Johnson and congressional leaders, urging them to abstain from incorporating an extension into the measure.
According to sources with knowledge of the situation, Jordan is vehemently opposed to a provisional extension of Section 702. He stated in a June interview with Breitbart News that preventing a general authorization of Section 702 is his top priority for the current year.
As the House Judiciary Committee readies itself to engage in a markup of the bill's specifics, the reception of the imminent legislation in the contentious realm of FISA reform is uncertain. Please remain alert for further updates regarding this highly anticipated confrontation.
