House Speaker Pulls Back on Hotly Debated Domestic Surveillance Bill
Johnson Pulls Back on Reauthorization Plans
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has postponed plans to reauthorize a controversial domestic surveillance program, citing the need for more time to reach a consensus as bipartisan opposition mounts against the plan.
Opposition to Surveillance Bill Grows
The proposed bill, which would have reauthorized the surveillance program known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates, rights defenders, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Uncertainty Surrounds Passage of FISA Bill
With opposition promising to torpedo the legislation unless it included a warrant requirement, its passage already looked uncertain, given the thin majority held by Republicans in the House of Representatives.
More Time Needed for Consensus
Johnson emphasized the need for more time to reach consensus on the bill, stating that rushing the product before full consensus is reached is unnecessary.
Surveillance Reform Advocates Speak Out
Advocates of surveillance reform believe that the delay is due to the reauthorization’s backers feeling unable to pass it without including the warrant requirement.
Bipartisan Opposition at House Rules Committee Hearing
At a hearing before the House Rules Committee, both Republicans and Democrats voiced their opposition to any reauthorization of domestic surveillance powers that did not include a requirement for judicial sign off on surveillance.
Compliments Exchanged Across the Aisle
The hearing was notable for compliments being paid back and forth across the aisle as lawmakers dug in their heels over the warrant requirement.
Protecting Americans’ Privacy
Lawmakers expressed their commitment to protecting Americans’ privacy and emphasized the need for a warrant requirement in the reauthorization of domestic surveillance powers.
