Ye scurvy dogs, Johnson be tellin' ye GOP privacy hawks to walk the plank in spy tool renewal talks! Aye!
2024-04-10
Arrr, me hearties! 'Tis said that House Speaker Mike Johnson be warnin' against supportin' a Section 702 amendment that be makin' it harder for them scurvy dogs to spy on us land lubbers! Yarrr, beware the watchful eyes of the government, me mateys!
In a closed-door House GOP Conference meeting, House Speaker Mike Johnson cautioned lawmakers against an amendment on warrant requirements as the House prepares to renew a key federal government surveillance tool. The amendment, led by Rep. Andy Biggs, would restrict intelligence officials from querying information about U.S. citizens collected through Section 702 without a warrant, except in emergency situations. Johnson expressed concerns about the narrow language of the amendment, stating it may be difficult to apply. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner supported Johnson's opposition, emphasizing the importance of protecting civil liberties and national security.Johnson argued that the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America (RISA) Act, set for a vote, already includes necessary reforms to prevent abuse of Section 702. The bill aims to limit access to data and improve accountability standards. However, privacy hawks on the right believe it does not go far enough and have threatened the bill's passage. Despite pushback from Judiciary Republicans, Johnson stands by his decision, supporting the RISA bill. Intense debate continues over the balance between national security and civil liberties as the renewal of the surveillance tool approaches.