Bowling Green Today

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul has introduced crucial amendments aimed at correcting unconstitutional provisions in the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA) and other governmental spying practices. Senator Paul's amendments address concerns about the expansion of government surveillance authority and the erosion of oversight mechanisms within the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) reform.

In a statement, Dr. Paul emphasized the importance of protecting civil liberties while ensuring national security, stating, "We cannot continue sacrificing our freedoms in the name of security." He urged his colleagues to support reforms that strike a balance between security and privacy.

The proposed amendments, including SA 1828 and SA 1829, are designed to limit surveillance activities concerning Americans, protect privacy rights, and establish clear guidelines for data acquisition and use by government entities. SA 1828 specifically prohibits the targeting of Americans for information acquisition and restricts the use of information acquired through surveillance in legal proceedings.

Furthermore, SA 1829, known as the Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act, seeks to enhance privacy protections by regulating government access to data and prohibiting the disclosure of certain information without proper authorization.

The Senate is scheduled to vote on Dr. Paul's amendments, which are viewed as vital steps towards modernizing surveillance laws and safeguarding fundamental liberties in the digital age. The amendments aim to address the shortcomings of RISAA and strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure the protection of both national security interests and individual privacy rights.

The outcome of the Senate vote on these amendments is eagerly anticipated as lawmakers consider the implications of government surveillance practices on constitutional rights and civil liberties in the United States.