President Joe Biden has signed into law the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, extending the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s (FISA) warrantless surveillance program for another two years. The Senate passed the reauthorization bill after hours of intense debate.
The legislation allows the government to spy on foreigners located abroad, a process that also sweeps up communications of Americans they are in contact with. The bill enacts numerous reforms to FISA Section 702, aiming to enhance safeguards for privacy and civil liberties.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan applauded Congress for passing what he called “one of the United States’ most vital intelligence collection tools”. He stated that the Act will retain essential authority to understand and protect against a wide range of dangerous threats to Americans.
Despite misgivings from both sides of the aisle, the Senate reauthorized the warrantless surveillance of foreigners located outside the United States. The resolution includes “important reforms” that “ensure the protection of Americans’ privacy and civil liberties,” according to Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Summarized by Dave Van Zandt
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