WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Warren Davidson took to the House floor in support of individual privacy rights guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 

               

 

 

Transcript:

 

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

"I rise in support of the Amash Amendment and in strong opposition to the underlying bill (FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017).

 

"As a former Army Ranger, I know the importance of Section 702 and defeating the enemies of our country.

 

"The foreign enemies of our country are not subject to the protections of our Constitution. American citizens, however, are.

 

"The supporters of the underlying bill would have you believe that the only way to support America is by ignoring the Fourth Amendment. And I strongly disagree.

 

"It is for American citizens, it is your data that is at subject here.

 

"The Fourth Amendment does not change when communications shift from postal service, also in the hands of the government, to a database.

 

"It should be protected by the Fourth Amendment and I strongly urge support of the Amash Amendment.”

 

Background:

 

The FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017, S. 139, reauthorizes Section 702 (set to expire on January 19, 2018), which permits the government to target non-U.S. persons located outside the United States for surveillance for the purpose of acquiring foreign intelligence information. Rep. Davidson submitted several provisions which would have restricted government intrusion into information about private U.S. citizens and also would have prevented abuse from government employees who have access to this data. Additionally, it would have provided further transparency and accountability to the 702 program. These provisions were not included in the final bill which passed the U.S. House today. FISA now heads to the Senate.

 

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