Senate Renews FISA With Bipartisan Support and Opposition
Summary from the AllSides News Team
The Senate reauthorized Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows warrantless spying on foreign nationals.
The Details: The bill passed 60-34 with bipartisan support, but also opposition from hardline Republicans and left-wing Democrats. Reauthorization came minutes after its expiration deadline at midnight on Friday. It’s since been signed into law by President Biden. Under the legislation, the FBI will be able to collect business records, conduct wiretaps, and view search history without a warrant.
For Context: FISA has been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, who have raised concerns that it violates American citizens’ privacy. The bill was blocked three times in the last five months by Republicans before passing last week in a 273-147 vote when its term was shortened from five to two years.
Key Quotes: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said, “It wasn’t easy, people had many different views, but we all know one thing: letting FISA expire would have been dangerous.” Intelligence Committee member Senator Ron Wyden (R-OR) said, “It’s important that people understand how sweeping this bill is. Something was inserted at the last minute, which would basically compel somebody like a cable guy to spy for the government.”
How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum highlighted opposition from less establishment-friendly factions of both sides. NBC News (Lean Left bias) described this as “an unusual coalition of progressive and conservative civil liberties advocates.” Reuters (Center bias) added context that the FBI reportedly used this power to hunt for information on Black Lives Matter protestors.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Senate passes bill renewing key FISA surveillance power moments after it expires
The Senate voted to reauthorize a powerful surveillance tool the U.S. government describes as critical to combating terrorism, after defeating efforts by civil liberties advocates on the left and right to rein it in.
The vote of 60-34 sends the bill to President Joe Biden, who has championed it. The legislation extends Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, for two more years.
The final vote came after the Senate defeated six amendments from progressive and conservative senators who said the spying powers are too broad and demanded protections...
From the Center
US Senate votes to reauthorize surveillance program
The U.S. Senate voted late on Friday night to approve the reauthorization of a controversial surveillance program, narrowly missing the midnight expiration of the program.
The reauthorization secures what supporters call a key element of the United States' foreign intelligence-gathering operation.
"Democrats and Republicans came together and did the right thing for our country safety," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
"We all know one thing: letting FISA expire would be dangerous. It's an important part of our national security, to stop acts of terror, drug trafficking and violent extreme extremism."
FISA...
From the Right
Senate Votes To Reauthorize Warrantless Surveillance Tool Minutes After It Expired
The United States Senate voted to reauthorize a surveillance tool early Saturday morning, despite objections from conservative and left-wing members.
The bill to reauthorize Section 702 passed by a 60-34 vote after six amendments were defeated. Support and opposition crossed party lines, with 17 Democrats and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont joining 18 Republicans in voting no. Opponents cited privacy concerns, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The bill previously passed the House of Representatives after an amendment to require a warrant failed on a 212-212 tie vote, with House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader...
AllSides Picks
May 3rd, 2024
April 30th, 2024
April 30th, 2024
April 29th, 2024
More News about Politics from the Left, Center and Right
From the Left
From the Center
From the Right
