Biden Signs Reauthorization of Expanded FISA 702 Warrantless Surveillance Program After It Passes Senate
Section 702 has been reauthorized, not just without any meaningful reforms but also with 'dramatic and terrifying' expansions of the US government surveillance authority.
- On Saturday, President Biden approved the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, a bill that reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) amidst debates over the FBI's use of the surveillance program to sift through American data.
"The provision effectively grants the NSA access to the communications equipment of almost any U.S. business, plus huge numbers of organizations and individuals. It’s a gift to any president who may wish to spy on political enemies, journalists, ideological opponents, etc.," said Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice.
- The Senate passed the bill with a 60-34 bipartisan vote. This extends the 'Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act' for two more years. Biden expressed gratitude to the congressional leaders for their efforts.
- Some lawmakers insisted on voting for amendments aimed at addressing perceived breaches of civil liberties within the bill. However, neither of the six proposed amendments gathered sufficient support to be included in the final pass of the law.
