WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-08) introduced an amendment today to the Intelligence Authorization Act (H.R. 6237) that would provide additional oversight and accountability to disciplinary actions taken against government employees who abuse their restricted access to information about private U.S. citizens collected under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

 

Davidson's amendment takes steps to further protect access to this data and strengthens individual privacy rights guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

 

The Davidson amendment

•    Adds congressional oversight and transparency to disciplinary mechanisms the intelligence community uses to enforce their own internal guidelines for proper collection, handling and use of sensitive data under Section 702; and

•    Ensures data collected under Section 702 is used solely to track dangerous terrorists without infringing on the individual privacy rights of citizens protected by the Fourth Amendment.

 

You can watch Davidson's speech on the House Floor here.

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Background:

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Authorization Act permits the government to target non-U.S. persons located outside the United States for surveillance for the purpose of acquiring foreign intelligence information.

The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019 (H.R. 6237) authorizes funding for the Intelligence Community, including military intelligence programs, for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019. A key component of congressional oversight responsibilities, the bill sets policy and authorizes resources for intelligence, counterterrorism, warfighting, and cybersecurity activities.

 

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