FISA to be Reformed by House

For John, BLUF:  We have good news, a bipartisan move to reform the operation of the FISA Court.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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GOP won't reauthorize FISA without FBI reforms following Durham report: 'Stop the abuses'

From The Washington Examiner, by Justice Department Reporter Jerry Dunleavy, 2 June 2023, 07:00 AM.

Here is the lede plus three:

Leading House Republicans won't back the reauthorization of powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act without major reforms in the wake of the FBI’s FISA abuses and special counsel John Durham’s report.

Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), the Turner-designated leader of the committee’s FISA Working Group, and Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA), another key committee member, all spoke with the Washington Examiner about the need for guardrails before FISA powers are reauthorized.

The trio of lawmakers want reforms at the FBI and at the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which approves the secret warrants.  Their demands are at odds with the Biden administration, which wants to reauthorize FISA Section 702 powers without changes before it expires at the end of 2023.

“We have been very clear on a bipartisan basis with the intelligence community and the FBI that there is no support in Congress for a clean reauthorization of 702,” Turner told the Washington Examiner.  “Reforms are necessary. We will be taking up the issue of reforms, and they will not be limited to 702 itself.  It will encompass both abuses that we are aware of and abuses that are now in the public domain as a result of disclosure and Durham.”

The use of a "Sunset Clause" in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was a good idea.  It forces Congress to review the operation of the Act and allows space for modifications in the reenactment.  The Durham Report cries for such a review.

Well intentioned Federal Bureaucrats, thinking they are doing good, can undermine our form of government, and our Freedoms.  I am glad to see House Members, on a bipartisan basis, reviewing the situation and updating our laws.

The Biden Administration is wrong to ask for a clean renewal.  It makes one wonder if they are paying attention, and if they are protective of our Civil Rights.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff