FISA Reforms Prohibit Political Spying & Support Law Enforcement
FISA Reforms Prohibit Political Spying & Support Law Enforcement
WASHINGTON – Congressman Dale W. Strong (AL-05) released the following statement on the passage of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act:
“In 2016, the FBI used information paid for by the Hillary Clinton campaign to secure a FISA warrant authorizing federal spying on President Trump’s campaign. It was the greatest political scandal in U.S. history, and if this bill had been in place at the time, it wouldn’t have happened.
As President Biden has gutted border enforcement and inflamed international tensions, America is facing unprecedented threats. Congress has a responsibility to protect the American people from these threats while making sure that the tools we provide cannot be abused by political leadership at the Department of Justice.”
BACKGROUND:
This bill:
- Extends authorities for two years so that they can be reviewed again by the next Administration
- Restricts FISA authorities to prevent the FBI from using information collected by political operatives
- Prohibits political appointees from directing wiretaps into their political opponents
- Orders Inspector General reports to oversee the actions of FBI officials
- Requires any incidental takes to be approved directly by senior FBI leadership
- Creates new criminal liability and stiff penalties for FBI staff who create false FISA applications or illegally access the records of U.S. citizens