This is a critical moment for our constitutional rights, as the House of Representatives is poised to vote imminently on the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This controversial statute has been criticized for infringing on citizens’ privacy without sufficient oversight.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and certain members of the GOP leadership have been resistant to introducing necessary reforms to this legislation, opting instead for a direct reauthorization that fails to address key constitutional concerns.
Adding insult to injury, Congressman Thomas Massie posted on Twitter “Congress gives itself a carve-out in the reauthorization of FISA 702 warrantless spying on Americans.
The bill requires the FBI to notify and seek consent from Congress before violating the privacy of Congressmen.”
Congressman Massie then posted this critical question: “Ask yourself: If there’s nothing wrong or unconstitutional in this program, why does Congress want a carve-out for itself?”
TAKE ACTION
It is imperative that you, as a constituent, reach out to your U.S. Representative and your Senators. Make your voice heard: assert your opposition to the reauthorization of FISA as it stands, a move that would continue to jeopardize our privacy rights.
Moreover, I encourage you to advocate for the consideration and passage of S. 3372, the “Fourth Amendment Restoration and Protection Act,” championed by Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.). This pivotal piece of legislation promises to reinforce the safeguarding of Americans’ rights as enshrined in the Fourth Amendment by curtailing unwarranted government surveillance—including activities permitted under FISA.
The introduction of S. 3372 represents a positive stride towards re-establishing the integrity of the Fourth Amendment and curtailing unauthorized surveillance of American citizens. Your representatives in Congress need to hear from you: the time to reinforce our constitutional protections is now.
Please contact your representatives and insist that they REJECT ANY REAUTHORIZATION OF FISA that does not include substantial reforms and DECLARE YOUR SUPPORT for S. 3372, the “Fourth Amendment Restoration and Protection Act.” Your action can make a decisive difference in the fight to preserve our constitutional liberties.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our rights are defended.
