Rejects extension of surveillance program
President Trump held a private meeting with Attorney General William Barr, members of Congress and party leadership about extending provisions of the USA Freedom Act. The meeting focused on certain provisions in the law that expires on March 15, including surveillance of lone-wolf terrorists, moving wiretaps, and a program that permits requests for metadata from phone records.
There was disagreement among members of the congressional contingent, particularly as it relates to FISA reforms.
“It was a spirited discussion,” Senator Rand Paul said after the meeting. “The president made it exceedingly clear that he will not accept a clean reauthorization… without real reform.”
In December, Congress passed a 90-day extension to the act as part of a spending bill. With only days left before the provisions expire, neither the House nor Senate has been able to move forward with a new bill to extend the intelligence programs. March 15 is the deadline for Congress to come up with either a temporary extension or a broader deal. If a new deal does not include reforms of the FISA court, President Trump will likely veto it.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the House and Senate as they debate the surveillance act to find a resolution before March 15.
- About the need for reforms for the FISA court, which even the members of the court previously indicated were necessary.
Sources: The Hill, Washington Examiner
