Three House members of each party will look at FISA.
A bipartisan group has been established by the House Intelligence Committee to review the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), particularly Section 702 which allows for warrantless surveillance of foreigners outside the U.S., even while they are in communication with American citizens within the U.S.
The law is up for reauthorization at the end of the year.
“I believe that the reauthorization of Section 702 is necessary to ensure the Intelligence Community maintains its ability to collect invaluable foreign intelligence to stay a step ahead of our adversaries, but corrections must be made to protect American citizens’ constitutional rights,” Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner of Ohio said in a release announcing the appointment of members to the group.
“Unfortunately, there have been significant and egregious abuses of Section 702 that have eroded the trust of the American people, putting FISA’s reauthorization at risk.”
The group will be led by Representative Darin LaHood of Illinois, who unfortunately found himself the subject of a Section 702 investigation. “This careless abuse of this critical tool by the FBI is unfortunate. Ironically, I think it gives me a good opportunity and a unique perspective about what’s wrong with the FBI,” he said earlier this month at a hearing with intelligence leaders.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Chairman Turner as he heads the House Intelligence Committee.
- For Judge Contreras as he oversees the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
- For federal legislators as they endeavor to ensure the proper use of the FISA court.
Sources: The Hill, NY Times
