Former U.S. Security Officials Urge Congress to Renew FISA Section 702
Summary
About 50 former national security officials urged Congress to renew FISA Section 702 for 18 months before its April 20 expiration, warning that delays or unrelated policy disputes could jeopardize the surveillance authority.
Key points
- The letter urges a “clean” 18-month extension of FISA Section 702.
- Section 702 allows the NSA to intercept communications of foreign espionage or terrorism suspects traveling through U.S. telecom and internet companies.
- The statute is set to expire on April 20, leaving lawmakers a short window to act.
- The signatories include former NSA officials, former DNI James Clapper, and former FBI Director Christopher Wray.
- Some lawmakers and privacy advocates want reforms or seek to attach other policy measures to the reauthorization.
- The letter cites a PCLOB staff report supporting the authority’s use; critics question the report amid changes to the board’s composition.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Former national security officials urged Congress to renew FISA Section 702 for 18 months without unrelated policy measures.
- Impact
- Section 702 allows the NSA to intercept communications of foreign espionage or terrorism suspects transiting U.S. networks. The officials warned that delays could interrupt this intelligence capability; the renewal debate also involves demands for reforms and concerns about privacy and civil liberties.
People
Christopher WrayFormer FBI Director and a signatory to the letter urging Congress to renew Section 702.Donald TrumpThe article reports that he publicly called for renewal of Section 702 without changes.James ClapperFormer Director of National Intelligence and a signatory to the letter urging Congress to renew Section 702.
Countries
Industries
Governmentreauthorization and arguments from civil liberty and privacy advocates who are alarmed by the federal government purchasing information from data brokers.National securityAbout 50 former national security officials urged Congress to approve a “clean” 18âmonth renewal of FISA Section 702 before its April 20 expiration, warning against delays that could hamper intelligence capabilities.