42 Democrats Side With GOP on Warrantless Surveillance Bill
The House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill to reauthorize Section 702 of FISA, a key spying provision that allows the government to surveil noncitizens abroad without a warrant, but which also sweeps up American data. This action drew sharp criticism from privacy advocates and progressive lawmakers who argued the bill lacked meaningful reforms to prevent abuses. Despite these concerns, 42 Democrats joined Republicans in advancing the legislation, prompting condemnation for enabling a “dangerous mass surveillance tool” and jeopardizing civil liberties. The fight now shifts to the Senate, where reformers hope to block the bill unless significant privacy protections, such as a warrant requirement, are included.
John Q. Hosedrinker