Butler County Today

U.S. Representatives Warren Davidson and Zoe Lofgren, along with Senators Ron Wyden and Mike Lee, have introduced a bipartisan, bicameral Government Surveillance Reform Act aimed at reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act with enhanced protections for Americans' constitutional rights.

Rep. Warren Davidson emphasized the importance of ending unauthorized surveillance programs, stating, "The Government Surveillance Reform Act would end abuses under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and end unauthorized surveillance programs."

Rep. Zoe Lofgren highlighted the need for surveillance reform measures, expressing concern over unchecked access to Americans' personal data by federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies. She stated, "For too long, federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies have had nearly unchecked access to Americans’ personal data."

Sen. Ron Wyden emphasized the balance between national security and privacy rights, stating, "Our bill continues to give government agencies broad authority to collect information on threats at home and abroad, including the ability to act quickly in emergencies and settle up with the court later."

Sen. Mike Lee underscored the imperative of enacting real reforms to protect civil liberties, stating, "It is imperative that Congress enact real reforms to protect our civil liberties, including warrant requirements and statutory penalties for privacy violations, in exchange for reauthorizing Section 702."

The Government Surveillance Reform Act includes various reforms such as closing loopholes in searches, prohibiting reverse targeting, and enhancing oversight and accountability in government surveillance activities.

The bill has garnered support from a range of civil society organizations and aims to curb surveillance abuse while safeguarding Americans' civil liberties.