Bowling Green Today

Dec 14 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a bid to safeguard civil liberties and advocate for the reform of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has taken a stand against the inclusion of FISA in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Dr. Paul, along with a bipartisan group of 34 senators, called for the removal of FISA reauthorization from the NDAA, emphasizing the potential for the U.S. government to engage in domestic spying on its citizens without a warrant. The vote to remove the reauthorization fell short by six votes, with a final tally of 35-65.

Dr. Paul delivered prepared remarks ahead of the vote, expressing concerns about the constitutionality and implications of FISA. He stated, "So far as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows our government to spy on U.S. citizens without a warrant, it is unconstitutional." Dr. Paul further criticized the lack of meaningful reforms to FISA and Section 702, despite the anticipated expiration of Section 702 at the end of the year. He lamented the missed opportunity to prioritize the protection of Americans' civil liberties and the failure to address the unchecked power of intelligence agencies. Dr. Paul warned that the extension of Section 702 would continue to result in warrantless surveillance of Americans, a violation of their constitutional rights.

Highlighting the invasive nature of Section 702, Dr. Paul drew attention to the collection and storage of Americans' communications content and metadata in government databases without a warrant. Law enforcement agencies then access this information without a warrant, allowing for unwarranted searches of texts, emails, and phone calls. Dr. Paul argued that the government, often perceived as a shield against threats, can itself become a threat to civil liberties.

Dr. Paul urged his fellow senators to fulfill their constitutional duty and protect civil liberties by removing the extension of domestic spying authority from the defense bill. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the congressional conference committee process and advocated for the removal of this authority to ensure the protection of civil liberties.

The fight to protect civil liberties and reform FISA is ongoing, with Dr. Paul's efforts highlighting the need for comprehensive and meaningful changes. The debate surrounding the balance between national security and individual privacy continues to shape legislative discussions, prompting further examination of the powers granted to intelligence agencies.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-fights-to-protect-civil-liberties-calls-on-senate-to-remove-domestic-spying-authority-in-ndaa/