Speaker Johnson flip-flops once more, withdrawing both FISA bills
Intense Backlash Forces Delay in Voting on Spy Tool Reauthorization
The reauthorization and reform of a powerful spy tool used by American intelligence agencies will not be voted on this week, as the legislation has been pulled by the Rules Committee due to intense backlash. Both the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committee bills to reauthorize and reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act were expected to be put on the floor for voting, with the one receiving the most votes advancing. However, a heated conference meeting led to a shift away from this scenario.
During the meeting, Rep. Warren Davidson accused Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner of dishonesty regarding the Judiciary bill, causing dissatisfaction among members. Many expressed the desire for Speaker Mike Johnson to choose one bill and stick with it, emphasizing the importance of taking the time to get it right. Rep. Davidson expressed disappointment in how the situation was handled and hopes for better management going forward.
With the bills now postponed until next year, committees have the opportunity to work out their differences. In the meantime, the House is expected to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a short-term extension of FISA until April 19, 2024. Some members also oppose this extension, expressing the need to labor through and complete the reauthorization.
Section 702 of FISA allows the federal government to surveil foreigners without a warrant for national security purposes. However, there have been documented abuses of FISA, leading to the call for reforms. One major difference between the Judiciary and Intelligence Committee bills is the warrant requirement, with the former requiring probable cause warrants for all FISA queries on U.S. citizens, while the latter only includes a warrant requirement for FBI officials in limited situations.
Speaker Mike Johnson has faced criticism for his indecisiveness on the matter, with multiple changes in stance and announcements. This latest delay in voting is seen as another flip-flop by Johnson, who has been unable to make a firm decision on FISA. When asked about Johnson’s inability to decide, Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan redirected the question to the speaker.
Overall, the delay in voting reflects the ongoing disagreements and controversies surrounding the reauthorization and reform of this powerful spy tool.
Key Points:
- The reauthorization and reform of a powerful spy tool used by American intelligence agencies has been delayed due to intense backlash.
- The House Judiciary and Intelligence Committee bills to reauthorize and reform Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act were expected to be voted on this week.
- A heated conference meeting and dissatisfaction with the “queen of the hill” tactic led to the postponement of the bills.
- The delay allows committees to work out their differences, while the House is set to vote on a short-term extension of FISA.
- There are disagreements on the warrant requirement, with the Judiciary Committee’s version being more stringent.
- Speaker Mike Johnson has faced criticism for his indecisiveness on the matter.
Source: The Washington Examiner
How has the postponement of the voting on Section 702 affected the confidence in the legislative process and the proposed legislation’s transparency and integrity?
Tional security purposes. It has been a controversial provision since its inception, with concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Many argue that the intelligence agencies have abused this surveillance tool and that it infringes on the rights of American citizens.
The postponement of the voting on the reauthorization and reform of Section 702 is a result of the intense backlash from both lawmakers and the public. The concerns raised during the conference meeting highlight the divisions within Congress on how to address these issues.
Rep. Warren Davidson accused Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner of dishonesty, adding fuel to the already heated debate. This accusation further undermined confidence in the process and raised doubts about the transparency and integrity of the proposed legislation.
Members of Congress expressed the need for Speaker Mike Johnson to choose one bill and stick with it, stressing the importance of taking the time to get it right. This demand reflects the significance and potential consequences of this legislation. It is essential to strike a balance between national security and the protection of civil liberties.
The delay in voting on the reauthorization and reform of Section 702 provides an opportunity for the committees to resolve their differences. This extra time allows for more thorough discussions and evaluations of the proposed bills. It is crucial for lawmakers to address the concerns raised by the public and their colleagues to ensure a fair and effective solution.
In the meantime, the House is expected to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes a short-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until April 19, 2024. However, some members of Congress oppose this extension, arguing for a comprehensive reauthorization of Section 702. The debate over the extension adds another layer of complexity and highlights the urgency of addressing the issue at hand.
Section 702 of FISA remains a subject of contention. It grants the federal government the power to surveil foreigners without a warrant for national security reasons. However, there are concerns that this provision has been misused and infringes on the privacy rights of American citizens. It is essential to strike a balance between national security and civil liberties.
The delay in voting on the reauthorization and reform of Section 702 provides an opportunity for lawmakers to address these concerns and ensure that any proposed legislation safeguards both national security and individual rights. It is crucial for Congress to work together to find a solution that is transparent, accountable, and respects the principles upon which our democracy was founded.
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