Republicans are pressuring the Biden-Harris administration to terminate warrantless data surveillance after 2.7 billion records were exposed.
At a Glance
- Nine House Republicans urge the administration to end data broker surveillance without warrants.
- USDoD hacking group claimed responsibility for stealing 2.7 billion records.
- Republicans advocate for the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act.
- Potential lapse in FISA’s surveillance authority due to legislative delays.
Republicans Push for End to Warrantless Surveillance
House Republicans are calling on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to end the “warrantless exploitation” of data broker surveillance. The repeated data breaches highlight the need for stronger data protection policies. The 2.7 billion exposed records contained full names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and phone numbers.
The call for action includes supporting the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act to prevent taxpayer money from being funneled to data brokers. This legislation passed the House despite opposition from the Biden administration. Lawmakers stress that purchasing Americans’ data without warrants circumvents the Fourth Amendment and endangers citizens’ privacy.
Expanding Surveillance Authority Under Scrutiny
Lawmakers warn that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) could lapse after Friday due to a battle over amendments to the House-passed bill. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to put the reauthorization of FISA’s Section 702 on the Senate calendar, even as opposition grows.
Sen. Rand Paul and his allies, invigorated by former President Trump’s call to “kill FISA,” are pushing for amendments to require warrants for data review, ban the purchase of data on people in the U.S. and abroad, and prevent the use of FISA to search an American’s communications. They are willing to let the program lapse if these changes are not considered.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell opposes letting the surveillance authority lapse, citing its importance for national security. Senate Democrats, including Sen. Ron Wyden, criticize the House-passed bill for not adequately reforming Section 702.
“Its value cannot be overstated,” noted a senior official. “Without 702, we will lose indispensable intelligence for our decision makers and warfighters.”
Call for Stronger Data Protection Policies
The Republicans’ call extends beyond legislative amendments to pushing for concrete actions that ensure transparency and adherence to legal standards in surveillance practices. The House passed the legislation in April, signifying bipartisan awareness and concern.
“The privacy of our constituents, as citizens and consumers, must be protected” with close to 80% of Americans supporting closing the data broker loophole, as per a YouGov poll.
Legislative Oversight and Future Directions
The ongoing debate and legislative efforts surrounding FISA and data protection reflect the critical need for oversight and reform. The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of reauthorizing the warrantless surveillance program for national security purposes.
The Senate will also face challenges with imminent legislative actions, including addressing articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
