Shenandoah Valley News

The House Judiciary Committee is set to propose a new bill that would require a warrant for surveillance conducted under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The draft language of the bill, reviewed by the Daily Caller News Foundation, aims to amend and renew this provision in a way that protects the rights of American citizens.

Section 702 of FISA is primarily meant to target foreign individuals, but it also gives U.S. intelligence agencies the power to conduct surveillance on American citizens without a warrant. This controversial provision is set to expire at the end of December, making it essential for lawmakers to address the issue.

According to the draft text, the proposed bill not only mandates the need for a warrant but also limits the number of government individuals authorized to conduct these searches on citizens. This move is aimed at reducing the potential for abuse and ensuring that surveillance is conducted in a more targeted and controlled manner.

However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement outlined in the draft text. These exceptions would apply in cases of emergencies and if there is consent from the individuals being surveilled. It is important to strike a balance between protecting national security and safeguarding the privacy rights of American citizens.

The penalties for violating FISA, as stated in the text, include fines and prison time. This underscores the seriousness of any potential abuses and serves as a deterrent for those who might consider misusing the surveillance powers granted under Section 702.

The House Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday and is hopeful for bipartisan support. This reform to the controversial warrantless surveillance law is a significant step towards addressing concerns about the infringement of Americans' rights and ensuring that surveillance activities are conducted within the bounds of the law.