GOP faction joins forces with ‘Squad’ and anti-Israel groups to dismantle US spy authorizations
Rep. Biggs Gains Support from Rashida Tlaib, CAIR, and CodePink
House Republicans seeking to dismantle America’s spy authorizations are touting endorsements from members of the ‘Squad’ and far-left, anti-Semitic activist groups like CodePink and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), according to an internal email being circulated on Capitol Hill.
Overhauling the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
The House is expected on Tuesday to consider legislation by Rep. Andy Biggs (R., Ariz.) that would overhaul the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a tool used by America’s intelligence agencies to track terrorists and other national security threats. The FISA authorizations are set to expire at the end of this month, and House Republicans have put forth competing bills to reform the spy measure and prevent agencies like the FBI from abusing its power to spy on Americans.
While Biggs’s bill is supported by powerful GOP voices like House Judiciary chair Jim Jordan (R., Ohio), it is being countered by a more moderate FISA reform bill that has the backing of Republican establishment leaders like former secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The competing measures set up a showdown between Republican national security hawks in the House and a faction of Republicans that aims to strip America’s spy agencies of a data collection tool. It is also a test for House speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) as he tries to keep his caucus from fracturing.
Biggs is seeking to gin up support for his alternate measure by touting its embrace by Democrats like Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) and outside advocacy groups that include the far-left CodePink and anti-Israel CAIR, which is currently engulfed in controversy over its leader’s support for Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror strike on Israel. Biggs’s office touted these endorsements in an email sent across Capitol Hill on Monday and reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon.
The alliance is raising eyebrows with more moderate Republican offices that are supporting the competing FISA reform bill crafted by the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. That bill would reauthorize FISA and, unlike Biggs’s measure, not require the government to obtain a search warrant each time it wants to collect communications—a requirement that national security hawks worry would handicap national security agencies.
Many Democrats and groups like CAIR have long called for the government’s FISA authorities to be stripped, claiming they are wrongly used to spy on American Arabs and other communities viewed as potential terror threats. Their endorsement for Biggs’s bill is a signal to some GOP offices that his measure would radically undercut the U.S. intelligence community.
“Republicans shouldn’t be at all affiliated with radical groups like CAIR & CODEPINK,” said one GOP congressional source who received the email from Biggs’s office. “Just last week the head of CAIR openly endorsed Hamas and its attacks against Israel.”
A group of Republican national security leaders last week penned an open letter against Biggs’s version of FISA reform.
“As former officials who have either worked for or with the Intelligence Community, we write today with serious concerns that a critical tool to keep Americans safe will cease to be available to the men and women who protect the United States each day,” former secretary of state Pompeo, former attorney general William Barr, former director of national intelligence John Ratcliffe, former White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien, and former House Intelligence Committee chair Devin Nunes wrote in a letter sent last week to Speaker Johnson.
While FISA should be reformed to prevent possible abuses, Congress should not include “a warrant requirement that may not achieve its intended objectives and could hinder current national security efforts,” the letter said.
How does the inclusion of endorsements from anti-Israel groups and individuals impact the credibility of Biggs’s FISA reform bill?
Ggs’s bill, does not include significant changes to the surveillance authorities. Critics argue that Biggs’s alliance with Tlaib, CodePink, and CAIR undermines the legitimacy of his efforts to reform FISA and sets a dangerous precedent for future bipartisan cooperation on national security issues.
The ‘Squad’ and Anti-Israel Groups
Rashida Tlaib, one of the members of the progressive group known as the ‘Squad,’ has been a vocal critic of Israel and has expressed support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. CodePink, a left-wing organization, has also been actively involved in anti-Israel activism, including protests against Israeli military action. CAIR, an Islamic advocacy group, has faced controversy in the past for alleged ties to terrorist organizations and its support for extremist ideologies.
The fact that Biggs has gained the support of these groups raises concerns about his motivations and the potential impact of his proposed FISA reform bill. Critics argue that aligning himself with individuals and organizations that have demonstrated hostility towards Israel and have been accused of promoting extremist views undermines the credibility of his efforts.
Furthermore, the inclusion of these endorsements in Biggs’s promotional email suggests a willingness to prioritize the support of these controversial groups over the concerns of more moderate Republicans. This move not only risks alienating members of his own party but also raises questions about his commitment to addressing legitimate national security concerns.
The Importance of FISA Reform
There is a growing consensus among Republicans and Democrats that some form of FISA reform is necessary to address concerns about potential abuses of surveillance powers. However, the question lies in the scope and extent of the reforms. Biggs’s bill aims to significantly limit the authority of intelligence agencies to collect data, while the competing bill supported by Republican establishment leaders seeks to reauthorize FISA without major changes.
While it is important to strike a balance between protecting civil liberties and ensuring national security, it is crucial that any reforms do not compromise the ability of intelligence agencies to effectively track and counter security threats. Critics argue that Biggs’s bill, with its strict limitations and alliance with controversial figures, hampers the ability of intelligence agencies to carry out their vital mission.
A Test for Republican Party Unity
The showdown between Biggs’s bill and the competing FISA reform bill is not just about policy differences; it is also a test for the unity of the Republican Party. With the 2020 elections approaching, the party cannot afford to be divided on key national security issues.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, in his role as the leader of the Republican caucus, faces the challenge of maintaining party cohesion and preventing a fracture between national security hawks and those advocating for significant FISA reform. The decision members make on this issue will have implications not only for the effectiveness of the party but also for its ability to present a united front to voters in the upcoming elections.
Conclusion
The endorsement of Rep. Biggs’s FISA reform bill by members of the ‘Squad’ and anti-Israel groups adds a new dimension to an already polarizing debate on national security. While it is important to consider alternative perspectives in policy discussions, the alliances formed and the motivations behind them should be scrutinized.
As the debate over FISA reforms continues, it is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize national security while also protecting civil liberties. Finding the right balance requires constructive dialogue, bipartisan cooperation, and a commitment to addressing legitimate concerns. In this critical moment, the Republican Party must demonstrate unity and a clear vision for the future in order to effectively serve the American people.
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